South Shropshire’s Conservatives Parliamentary Candidate Stuart Anderson is making sure that Shropshire residents impacted by Storm Henk are aware of the support that is available to them. The Government has activated the Flood Recovery Framework, which is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding. Stuart said that he welcomed the scheme so households, farmers, businesses, and communities most impacted in Shropshire and across the country will benefit from the Government funding.
Stuart Anderson and Ludlow MP Philip Dunne met Jackie and Terry, whose home had flooded for the second time in a year. Their home is between Highley Station and the River Severn. During its peak, flood waters reached the height of their door handle, and they had to use waders to leave and re-enter their home. The couple are in temporary accommodation provided by their insurer until the damage can be assessed. Representatives from the Environment Agency and Shropshire Council were also in Highley, with the Environment Agency visiting flood affected Park Homes in Quatt and Hampton Loade.
Flooding continues to affect communities, with several flood alerts and flood warnings active across the region. To help communities recover and repair, Stuart has welcomed thousands of pounds from the Government. Flooded households in eligible affected areas can apply for up to £500 cash to help with immediate costs.
Stuart has also welcomed support for local businesses which are significantly impacted by the flooding. Small-to-medium sized businesses in eligible affected areas can apply for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual. Households and businesses significantly affected by the localised flooding will also be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least 3 months or longer, if they are unable to resume trading.
In addition, Stuart welcomed support for farmers who have suffered damage as they work to put food on our tables. Farmers adversely affected by exceptional flooding will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Farming Recovery Fund towards repair and reinstatement costs if they have suffered uninsurable damage to their land. The Government has also announced that eligible flood-hit property owners can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.
Philip Dunne MP said: “Stuart Anderson and I visited Highley on Friday to see for ourselves the impact of Storm Henk, where the river had burst its banks, with at least 6 houses flooded. Jackie and Terry’s home has been very badly affected, flooding for the second time in 12 months. I raised Shropshire’s case with the Flooding Minister in the House of Commons this week, to seek to ensure the Flood Recovery Framework scheme is activated in Shropshire. In order to do so, it is vital every homeowner affected informs Shropshire Council if their home or business has been flooded.
Stuart Anderson said: “My sympathies are with all those affected by Storm Henk. Flooding can have a devastating impact on people across the country and in areas such as Shropshire in terms of both physical damage and personal impacts, including mental health. I want to ensure that everyone has the support that they need to quickly recover and rebuild. That’s why I welcome this Government’s extensive package of support, which is worth up to thousands of pounds for the most affected. I would encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to continue taking steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. I also pay tribute to the hard work of the Council, Environment Agency, and emergency responders and thank them for their ongoing work in Shropshire and beyond.”
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I know how difficult flooding is for those affected and we will do all we can do support households, farmers and other businesses as they repair and rebuild.”
The support will be available through councils, who will announce further details on eligibility and how to apply. Residents can keep up to date with the latest flood information online at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or check out the live flood warning map at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/map . They can also sign up for free flood warnings by contacting Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
There is also a Smartphone Flood Alert App, which can be downloaded for free.
