Further support for those affected by flooding

The government has announced further support for people and businesses in areas affected by recent flooding.

After the leaders of the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats labelled the government’s response to the recent flooding as ‘woeful’, ministers said that an additional 100 UK Armed Forces personnel will be deployed to South Yorkshire to help support the recovery effort.

Under the Flood Recovery Framework, the government will provide funding to support the recovery efforts of local councils where households and businesses have been affected by the severe weather. The Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government will provide a Community Recovery Grant to local councils – equivalent to £500 per eligible household - to help communities with their immediate recovery, while the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will provide funding for a Business Recovery Grant which will provide up to £2,500 per eligible small and medium-sized businesses which have suffered severe impacts from the floods that cannot be recovered from insurance.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The recent flooding has had a devastating effect on people and businesses, and it’s essential that our communities have the support they need to recover. We’re announcing this funding to support households and businesses get back on their feet. I want to express my deep gratitude to the emergency services, Armed Forces, Environment Agency and local authorities across the country who have responded to the flooding with distinction.”

The announcement coincides with reports that some residents in the flood-stricken village of Fishlake, near Doncaster, could be out of their homes for up to three weeks as efforts continue to make the area safe. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have urged Johnson declare a ‘national emergency’.