Government Releases Funding To Help Flood Victims

The Government has agreed to release funding to help flood-hit residents, businesses and farmers across Leicestershire and West Northamptonshire.

They are among eight areas nationwide to benefit from the Flood Recovery Framework, which is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.

Over 300 properties were flooded in Leicestershire last week following Storm Henk, including 30 in the Harborough District with Fleckney one of the worst affected areas.

Flooding in Fleckney yesterday. Pic: Marcus Walton

Help will be available for:

Flooded households in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £500 cash to help with immediate costs.

Households and businesses significantly affected, who will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least 3 months.

Small-to-medium sized businesses in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.

Eligible flood-hit property owners, who can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.

Farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Farming Recovery Fund towards repair and reinstatement costs for farmers adversely affected by exceptional flooding.

Flood Minister Robbie Moore announced the funding in the House of Commons:

Leicestershire County Council says it is is awaiting more detail on how people can access the support and will communicate this as soon as possible.