Leaders call on Government to release funding to help residents

Senior leaders are calling on Government to release funding to support flood-hit residents.

More than 300 homes and a number of businesses were flooded around Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland this week following Storm Henk which has battered the nation.

Rivers and canals burst their banks and hundreds of people have suffered as their homes and businesses were damaged by flood water.

Councils, emergency services, charities and other organisations have rallied to support communities by closing roads, evacuating residents, offering temporary accommodation and more.

Now, they are calling on Government to release funding under its Flood Recovery Framework which it can use in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.

If Government agreed to release funding, measures could include up to £500 for flooded households, reduced business rates and council tax, business recovery grants and funding to make homes and businesses more resilient.

Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Flooding is devastating and we’re committed to helping communities get back to normal.

“Leicestershire has seen the worst flooding for many years and we’re working round-the-clock, alongside partners, to support people.

“Unlocking national support is vital. Homes and businesses are damaged and having a pretty torrid time so we want to do everything we can to secure extra support.”

One of the worst hit areas was Charnwood, where more than 100 homes flooded in places including Loughborough, Syston, Quorn and Cossington. A number of businesses were also impacted.

Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Charnwood and its communities have been devastated by flooding this week and while agencies across Leicestershire have rallied to support residents and businesses, we feel it is important Government step in to offer further support as soon as possible.

“We will continue to do all we can to help get our communities back on their feet.”

Leicester deputy city mayor, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “Leicester has experienced the worst flooding event I’ve ever seen, with river levels higher than they’ve been in 60 years. More than 100 properties have had to be evacuated that we know of, and many families are today dealing with the catastrophic impact of flooding on their homes.

“Along with local charities and other agencies we are providing as much support as we can, but we need Government funding to ensure that all residents and businesses affected get the help they need.”

Cllr Gale Waller, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: “All agencies have been working relentlessly over the past week to ensure those hit by the flood have the information and support they need.

“We are now joining leaders to call on the government to release national support to help with recovery across the whole of Leicestershire, Leicestershire and Rutland.”

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For more information contact: communications@melton.gov.uk

Notes to editors 

Possible support measures available under the Government’s Flood Recovery Framework, include:

• Flooded households in affected areas can apply for up to £500 to give cash quickly to help with immediate costs.  
• Households and businesses significantly affected by recent flooding eligible for 100 per cent Council Tax and business rates relief for at least three months. 
• Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.  
• Eligible flood-hit property owners able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.  

Across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland since Tuesday (2 January):

• Around 350 properties flooded
• Fire Service attended over 100 flooding incidents
• Residents evacuated and found temporary accommodation
• Rest centres set up
• Water pumped from flooded areas
• Street sweeping and cleaning
• Special waste collections arranged
• Visits to flooded homes to support and signpost
• Calls to residents to check if they need support
• Environmental health officer visits to businesses to offer support

Councils, emergency services, NHS and other partners work together as part of the local resilience forum to prepare for and respond to emergencies and help communities to recover.

Find out more: www.llrprepared.org.uk