Government pledges additional financial support for flooding victims

The government has pledged thousands of pounds in additional financial support for victims of the recent floods.

Businesses in England affected by the floods will be eligible for 100% business rates relief for at least three months, the government announced. It also stated that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have experienced severe, uninsurable losses will be able to claim up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant.

Additionally, the government announced that businesses affected by flooding can apply for up to £5,000 to help make them more resilient to future flooding.

The Local Government Secretary stated that the government will convene the cross-Whitehall Flood Recovery Taskforce in order to provide individual areas with ‘bespoke support and guidance’.

Commenting on the funding, Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: ‘Storm Dennis and Ciara have severely impacted a large number of households and businesses, and I recognise how destabilising this can be.

‘This extra support, including new funding, will help people in the worst hit areas to recover and get back on their feet as soon as possible.’

The announcement only applies to businesses in England. Flooding is a devolved issue for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.