From southribble.gov.ukThe clean-up and recovery is continuing following the Christmas weekend flooding in Lancashire.
Although not as severely affected as some neighbouring areas, South Ribble Borough Council is helping residents of around 50 households and a number of businesses who suffered the devastating effects of surface water flooding and some river over-topping.
As well as assisting the major responders such as Lancashire County Council and the Environment Agency, the council has cleaned up sludge and cleared debris. It has also advised those affected of the financial help and further practical support that is available.
The council has been busy checking culverts, and extra staff remain on call to respond to further flooding if it occurs.
Flood-damaged household items will be collected from affected homes from Monday, with the priority for residents in the meantime to progress their insurance claims.
Some council tax relief will be available, as will £500 for all homes internally affected by flood water over the weekend.
Some of our councillors have been out and about in the area helping affected residents where they can too.
The office has been open this week to take flood-related calls and keep affected residents and businesses informed. South Ribble Borough Council is also helping a small number of people with emergency accommodation. The office will again be available to call (for flood-related enquiries only) from 10am to 4pm on New Year’s Eve, on 01772 625625. The office will be open as normal from Monday 4th January.
If you have suffered internal flooding in your home or business and you have not yet notified the council, you can do so by emailing [email protected]
Councillor Warren Bennett, Deputy Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “Although our issues with flooding were perhaps not as widespread or high-profile as some neighbouring areas, the effects have been every bit as devastating for those affected. We remain committed to assisting as much as we can, while being as prepared as possible in the event of more rain.
“If people are concerned about flooding, there is lots of information about how to prepare, and I would urge people to read it and sign up for the alerts. Our office will again be open for flood-related enquiries on New Year’s Eve for those who need it.”
Funding for flood-affected homes
Residents significantly affected by internal flooding in their properties will be eligible for £500 of financial assistance.
There will be a number of forms of support:
• Local Taxation Relief - Temporary relief in relation to Council Tax.
• Household Payments – Each household affected by flooding will be eligible for a payment of £500. Payments will generally be made to the person registered for Council Tax. We are working to identify affected households and make payments as quickly as possible.
• Additional Payments for Households and Individuals in Need – These are for individuals and households who have particular needs, for example because they are not insured. The Community Foundation for Lancashire is administering a local discretionary fund, details of which are available here.
• Longer term, households that have been flooded will wish to consider whether they might be eligible for a flood resilience grant. If they think they may be, they should contact us to find out what next steps they need to take, after Monday 4th January.
Funding for flood-affected businesses
• Local Taxation Relief - Temporary relief in relation to Business Rates.
• Business Support – Details of the business support package are available here
• Support for Farmers – This support scheme is administered by DEFRA and details are available here
• South Ribble Borough Council’s Enterprise Team will also be in touch with flood-affected businesses in South Ribble next week, so let the council know if you suffered internal flooding damage over the Christmas weekend.