Government Payment for Flooding

 
Flooding UK: Government payment for flooding

The Government has announced financial assistance in an area ‘impacted by Storm Henk (2nd Jan – 8th Jan)’

The full announcement can be seen here, but iHowz summarises the main points below:-

The UK government has announced financial support for communities impacted by severe flooding caused by Storm Henk, which occurred from January 2nd to January 8th. The support, provided through the Flood Recovery Framework, is aimed at helping affected households, businesses, and farmers recover from the flood damage. Here are the key points from the announcement:

     

    Types of Financial Support:

     

    • Flooded households in eligible affected areas can apply for up to £500 in cash to assist with immediate costs.
    • Households and businesses significantly affected are eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least 3 months.
    • Small-to-medium-sized businesses in eligible affected areas can apply for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to expedite their return to normal operations.
    • Eligible flood-hit property owners can apply for up to £5,000 through the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme to enhance the resilience of their homes and businesses to future flooding.
    • Farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land can apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Farming Recovery Fund to cover repair and reinstatement costs.

     

    Flood Recovery Framework:

     

      • The financial support will be administered through the Flood Recovery Framework. In exceptional circumstances, this scheme is utilized to aid councils and communities in the aftermath of severe flooding.

     

    Pre-existing Protection Measures:

     
    The announcement emphasizes the safeguarding of 45,000 properties from the worst impacts of Storm Henk. Flood defences, established with previous government funding and the swift action of the Environment Agency, attribute this achievement.

     

    Government Investment in Flood Defences:

     
    Funding for flood defences has increased, with over 381,000 homes better protected since 2015. The government is committing a record £5.2 billion investment to enhance the protection of hundreds of thousands of properties.

     

    Statements from Ministers:

     

      • Communities Secretary Michael Gove assures affected individuals and businesses that they do not have to face the challenges alone. Furthermore, he emphasizes the government’s commitment to supporting communities during these difficult times.
      • Acknowledging the difficulties faced by those affected by flooding, Environment Secretary Steve Barclay expresses gratitude for the efforts of various teams, including the Environment Agency and first responders. He recognizes the challenges while commending the dedication of these teams.
      • Barclay also mentions upcoming schemes, such as the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme. Additionally, there is the Farming Recovery Fund to assist residents and farmers in protecting their properties and recovering from damage.

     

    Councils’ Role:

     

      • Support will be available through local councils, which will provide further details on eligibility criteria and the application process.

This financial support is part of the government’s broader efforts to assist communities in the recovery process and mitigate the impacts of severe flooding.