Flood-Hit Residents Urged To Apply for Government Funding

Those affected by flooding across Harborough earlier this month can now apply for government cash to help.

37 homes were affected in the district during Storm Henk, along with some businesses and community buildings like Fleckney Village Hall.

£500 is available for residents along with reduced Council Tax, while businesses can get a payment worth £2,500 and farmers who suffered un-insurable damage to their land can apply for grants of up to £25,000.

Flooding in Fleckney during Storm Henk  Pic: Michael Preston

Across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland round 650 homes were flooded, with 70 roads closed and over 100 incidents attended by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

The County Council is also be running a grant scheme, where eligible flood-hit property owners can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding.

Tom Purnell, deputy chair of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum, said: “Our area has faced the full force of Storm Henk and I’m pleased that communities are on the road to recovery.

“Flooding is devastating and we’ve not seen this level of impact for many years, with communities cut off and businesses forced to stop trading.

“This extra money is a welcome helping hand and I’d encourage homeowners and businesses affected to find out more and get their applications in.”

Leicestershire was one of eight areas of the country identified for support from the government, alongside West Northamptonshire.

Applications for support are being managed by local councils – find out more at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/flood-funding .