The government has announced (18 February 2020) additional support for people affected by flooding following Storms Dennis and Ciara.
Under the Flood Recovery Framework and as some affected areas move into recovery, businesses will receive funding from their local councils after a set of support packages were announced by the Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Under the measures announced:
- Businesses significantly affected by recent flooding will be eligible for 100% business rates relief for at least three months.
- Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas which have suffered severe, uninsurable losses will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant.
- Flood-hit businesses can apply for up to £5,000 to help make them more resilient to future flooding.
The Local Government Secretary also announced the government would convene the cross-Whitehall Flood Recovery Taskforce, including environment, businesses and transport ministers, to provide individual areas with bespoke support and guidance. The first meeting will take place this week.
Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “Storms 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.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “We are determined to help businesses impacted by Storms Ciara and Dennis. Today’s funding will offer vital support to small companies to get up and running, while also helping ensure greater protection against future flooding events.”
With 6 severe flood warnings, 148 flood warnings and 188 flood alerts in place as of 4pm on Tuesday 18 February, the Environment Agency is urging people to check the latest safety advice as flooding impacts continue with further heavy rain expected to fall on areas already affected by the wet weather later this week.
Retailers can check their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation at gov.uk/check-flood-risk, or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or following @EnvAgency on Twitter.
This announcement only applies to England. Flooding is a devolved matter for Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
