Council Set To Step-In To Help Flood-Hit Residents

Harborough District Council is set to offer financial support totalling nearly £40,000 after the government confirmed it would not be supporting residents affected by flooding.

Over 70 properties across the district suffered internal flooding on January 6th, the majority in Great Glen and Broughton Astley.

They were among over 700 affected across Leicestershire, which prompted calls for the government to activate a scheme to help with clean-up costs.

However, it has deemed the flooding was not significant enough to do so.

The council is now set to step-in and subject to its budget being approved will make one-off payments of £500 available to anyone in the Harborough district whose homes suffered internal flooding.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of the council, spoke to HFM:

A flooded flat in Great Glen

The government’s Flood Recovery Framework was triggered last year when flooding hit parts of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and other parts of the country.

It provided grants of £500 to help households with immediate clean-up costs, council tax relief for at least 3 months and the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 to help make homes more resilient to future flooding.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien has criticised the government for failing to open up the scheme again and spoke to HFM:

Flooding in Great Glen on Jan 6th

A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “Flooding is devastating for those affected and we hope that people can get back on with their lives as soon as possible.

“We know that local authorities are working hard to provide support, and we are working with them to understand the impacts on communities, households and businesses.”

“The Flood Recovery Framework has not been triggered for recent winter weather and flooding.

“We are working with Defra, Department for Business and Trade and Environment Agency colleagues to understand the impacts on communities, households and businesses and stand ready to advise Ministers as these become clearer.”