WIREDGOV

Councils are still pulling out all the stops to help tens of thousands of flood victims, even with the onset of milder weather.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents almost 400 councils in England and Wales has welcomed Government funding for flood victims but warns it will take "some time" before the total cost is known.

Help and support provided by councils includes: the bolstering of flood prevention plans to protect homes and businesses; the provision of resources to help repair damaged roads; the offering of grants to assist residents and firms during the clear-up; and the creation of flood warden networks to monitor local rivers and streams.

Councils are also offering: flood advice sessions; information roadshows; free fridges; flood debris drop-off points; increased services to tackle potholes; and collection points for flood-damaged household goods.

Cllr Mike Jones, Chairman of the LGA's Environment and Housing Board, said: "Councils are acting to deliver government's funding to communities. They are working closely with government, using their resources in the most effective ways possible to ensure the maximum benefit for residents. They are pulling out all the stops so flood victims' lives can return to normal as quickly as possible.

"While it is good news the Government has announced wide-ranging funding, the total cost of the damage from flooding will take some time to estimate. It is imperative this financial support is sufficient enough to cover the final bill.

"The impact on flood victims will be long-lasting and extend beyond the immediate tasks of recovery and repair. In many areas, residents face the cumulative impacts of damage to their homes and livelihoods, combined with increased insurance premiums, decline in the value of their property, and higher costs of travel to pay for damaged infrastructure.

"For some households this could seriously drive up the cost of living and negatively impact on the local economy. These cumulative impacts need to be properly understood and considered in the long term. We are working with government to ensure this is as a long-term project, which is fully resourced, rather than a short-term fix. Sixty-five councils have been allocated grants under the business support scheme and the first tranche of monies has already been paid.

"It is also vital to help ensure the system works as efficiently and effectively as possible to cope with any flooding in the future."

Case studies

Hampshire's pothole busters

Christchurch borough council flood advice sessions

Somerset – flood recovery and information roadshows

Boston Borough Council – free fridges for residents

Spelthorne council flood relief fund

Wycombe continues to regularly update its flood pages to residents until flood waters subside

Taunton Deane Borough Council

Grants to help local businesses suffering as a result of the devastating floods in Somerset are available from Taunton Deane Borough Council. The first payments to businesses that have already applied for help are being made – just days after the scheme went live. Up to £2,500 is available to eligible businesses – and the application process has been made as simple and streamlined as possible.

St Albans City and District Council
Businesses and homeowners affected by the recent flooding in St Albans District may be eligible to receive a grant. The council is administering a new government scheme to provide grants of up to £5,000 to homeowners and businesses whose homes and premises were flooded following adverse weather. 

Cheltenham Borough Council
A network of flood wardens has helped Cheltenham Borough Council during the severe winter storms. Now, the council is looking extend the network. 

Exeter City Council collecting sandbags

New Forest:

Aylesbury Vale District Council

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Organised a series of flood debris drop-off points across the borough for leaving flood-damaged materials if residents don't have insurance arrangements.

Cotswold District Council
Waste collector was on hand to pick up flood-damaged items from properties at no cost to the owners.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

Collected flood-damaged household goods from properties in specific roads over the last two months and are still offering a collection service for those who have not yet been able to have flood-damaged goods collected.

Contact

Matthew Cooper, Senior Media Relations Officer
Local Government Association
Local Government House, Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ
Direct line: 0207 664 3007

www.local.gov.uk

Follow the LGA Press Office on www.twitter.com/LGANews