£500 cash available for households affected by Storm Henk

Brits saw in the New Year being battered by 80 mph gales and two inches of rain, which caused major damage to more than 1,800 properties.

In response to the damage created by Storm Henk, the government has announced a major support package to help with repairs.

Households affected can apply for up to £500 cash to help with immediate clear up costs.

They are also eligible for 100% council tax relief for at least three months.

And can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.

Storm Henk affected communities across the UK, with the worst impacts being seen widespread in the Midlands, including Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

Parts of the country experienced a month’s worth of rain dropping in the last four days of January on already saturated ground. Several of the UK’s biggest river- the Trent, the Thames, the Severn, and Avon – also saw record, or close to record levels of drainage.

The money to help households affected by the floods comes from the Flood Recovery Framework and is being distributed by councils. Contact your local authority to find out if you’re eligible.

More details on the scheme can also be found at: Government payments for communities affected by flooding - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)