More help for Isle flood victims

It is nearly four months since over 500 properties were affected by the floods and many people are still out of their homes.

The council has recognised that many need additional help and has put in place further support schemes on top of the £300 flood relief payments and council tax discounts announced at the end of last year.

The council has created four new flood support schemes that include:

1. Council tax relief – eligible properties will qualify for 100 per cent discount for up to nine months followed by an additional 50 per cent discount for three months. The discount applies until December 5 2014 or on reoccupation if this is sooner. A new council tax bill will be sent out automatically to reflect changes.

2. Business rate relief – all eligible businesses will receive 100 per cent rate relief for three months. Initially businesses affected by the floods only received an exemption from business rates if they were covered under statutory exemptions. As most were covered under statutory exemptions, a local scheme was not introduced.

Under the new scheme all eligible businesses will automatically receive a minimum of three months rate free period.

3. Repair and renew grant – grants of up to £5,000 will be made available to flooded homeowners and businesses to help with flood prevention work. This will help towards affordable insurance.

North Lincolnshire Council officers will visit as many flood affected properties as possible to discuss the grant with those affected. For those currently away from their property a visit can be arranged by calling Liz Webster on 01724 2970004.

4. Business support scheme – discretionary grants of up to £2,500 will be made available to Small and Medium Enterprises whose businesses were affected. Qualifying businesses will either have been flooded or suffered a significant loss of trading as a result of flooding.

An application form and further guidance is available on the council’s website www.investinnorthlincolnshire.co.uk/business-flood-support/. For more information, contact the Economic Development hotline on 01724 297330 or email [email protected].

Coun Liz Redfern, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We will continue to support those affected by the floods as much as possible to help people get back on their feet. The floods drastically affected many peoples’ lives. The Government funding has enabled us to provide these additional support schemes to help with business recovery and help eligible residents and businesses make their properties more flood resilient.

“These schemes are in addition to the financial support we have already provided, such as the £300 grant for every household and business rate and council tax relief.

“The funding will hopefully help many people see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you would like more information about the flood support schemes don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on 01724 297000.”