Residents and businesses affected by January's Storm Henk flooding may be eligible for Government flood relief money to help towards damage and flood resilience costs.

 More than 50 homes and businesses in Somerset suffered flooding during between 2 and 12 January 2024 because of Storm Henk. The Government announced communities impacted by the storm could apply for funding to help them recover.

The support is being made available through a scheme called the Flood Recovery Framework.

Residents and businesses can apply via Somerset Council's portal available here Grants for Flood Recovery from Storm Henk (somerset.gov.uk)

Householders who suffered flooding inside their home, making it wholly or partly unliveable for a while, may qualify for help. Businesses will be able to apply for rates relief as well as a Business Recovery Grant.

Councillor Dixie Darch, Lead Member for Environment and Climate said: "We're really pleased the Government has recognised the challenges faced by communities following this latest flood event.

"The reality is that these kinds of events are going to become more frequent and supporting residents and businesses to build resilience is essential.

 "We have already experienced several flooding events during 2023, but unfortunately the funding available only applies to this specific date. Hopefully going forward the Government will look at applying this kind of framework to future flood events."

 Help will be available for:

 ·       Flooded households in Somerset Council area, who can apply for up to £500 cash to help with immediate costs.

·       Households and businesses significantly affected, may be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months

·       Small-to-medium sized businesses in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.

·       Eligible flood-hit property owners, who can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding.

·       Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs will be administering a scheme for farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land, who will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 towards repair and reinstatement costs

 For full qualifying criteria residents and businesses should visit Grants for Flood Recovery from Storm Henk (somerset.gov.uk).