Boris Johnson offers flood-hit homes £500 'recovery grant'

THE Prime Minister has announced the government will give homeowners who have been left devastated by flooding £500 — and businesses could claim up to £2,500.
PM Boris JohnsonPM Boris Johnson
PM Boris Johnson

Last night, Boris Johnson chaired an emergency meeting after 500 homes were flooded in the region and 1,200 properties were evacuated.

The Prime Minister said the government would be providing a business recovery grant to the worst affected small and medium-sized businesses covering costs of up to £2,500 that cannot be covered by insurance.

He added: “We will also be providing £500 to households in the area through community recovery grant to ensure those affected are also supported.

“My thoughts are with those affected by the flooding and I am grateful to all of those — particularly in our emergency services who have helped in response so far.”

More than £104,000 has been pledged to an appeal fund launched to support flood victims.

The Emergency Flood Disaster Relief Appeal was set up by South Yorkshire Community Foundation (SYCF) to provide “urgent support” to people affected in Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley and Sheffield.

A spokesman said: “Thousands of people have been evacuated, with hundreds of homes flooded in the worst hit areas. 

“Whilst the true extent of the damage of the floods is still being realised, disruption continues to schools, business, roads and public transport. 

“This is the second flood appeal set up by SYCF. The last one was in 2007 in response to the devastating floods that affected the region at that time.”