Flood grants could be available to Burnley people hit by Storm Ciara

Under the Flood Recovery Framework eligible families and businesses could receive funding from their local councils after a set of support packages were revealed.

The borough of Burnley is one of those areas eligible for funding to be made available.

Under the measures:

- Flood-hit households in affected areas can apply for up to £500 in financial hardship payments from the Community Recovery Grant to give cash quickly to those in short-term need

- Households and businesses significantly affected by recent flooding will be eligible for 100% council tax and 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 homes and businesses can apply for up to £5,000 to help make them more resilient to future flooding by helping to pay for a range of property improvements. It will go towards the additional costs of installing fittings and materials that increase resistance to damage from water in the future, such as putting in flood doors and raising electrics off ground level.

Anyone who successfully applied for resilience grant funding following the 2015 floods cannot apply for a further resilience grant this time, but can apply for any other of the grants provided they are eligible.

The funding measures apply to those affected in district or unitary authorities that have 25 or more flooded households as a result of Storms Ciara and Dennis.

Council leader Charlie Briggs said: “It’s excellent news that those business owners and householders in our borough worst hit by the storms could be eligible for grants to help them get back on their feet and install flood alleviation measures that will help minimise the impact of any future events.

“It’s difficult to imagine until you go through it the devastating impact flood waters pouring into your property can have. These grants could at least help people and businesses affected start to get back to normal again.”

For further details on the funding grants and how to apply contact Kelly Smith at [email protected] or phone 01282 425011 ext 3292 (during office

hours).

The Community Foundation for Lancashire has also launched a recovery fund appeal to support households in need affected by flooding, following Storm Ciara.

Lancashire residents without home insurance who have been afflicted by damage following Storm Ciara are able to apply for funding from the fund.

Applicants can find out more about the fund and apply by visiting: https://lancsfoundation.org.uk/Funds.aspx; alternatively, call 0330 440 4900.