Witney News - Financial support for flood affected properties

Financial support for flood affected properties

Households and businesses in West Oxfordshire hit by recent flooding can apply for government grants to help with recovery and costs.

Householders are eligible for a Council Tax discount and businesses qualify for 100% business rate relief for three months, regardless of how long they were flooded between December 2013 and March 2014.

Small and medium sized businesses can also get financial support to develop and implement business recovery plans. This could include money towards clean-up costs, materials and the need for temporary accommodation to enable them to continue trading.

In addition, both householders and businesses can apply for a Repair and Renew Grant to install future property flood protection measures.

The above government financial support schemes are being administered in West Oxfordshire by the District Council.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment said, “We welcome the support that the government is giving and we will be doing all we can to alert people and businesses about these grants as the repercussions and costs of flooding can place a huge financial strain on them.”

Compared to some other parts of the country and to 2007, the numbers of those impacted by flooding in the last few months are low in West Oxfordshire; the latest information indicates around 12 businesses and some 24 households.

Businesses and householders that feel they may qualify for one or more of the above schemes can register their interest by contacting the Council on [email protected] or by telephoning 01993 861000. Grant schemes are in the process of being designed and those who have registered an interest will be sent further details as soon as the schemes go live.