Government announces business rate and council tax relief following severe flooding

The measure was announced following the first meeting of the cross-Whitehall flood recovery taskforce yesterday, chaired by local government secretary Robert Jenrick to support communities as they respond to this serious emergency.   

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Under the measures, households and businesses which have been intensely affected by the flooding will be eligible for 100 per cent relief on their council tax and business rates for at least the next three months. 

Mr Jenrick said: “It will take time for communities to get back on their feet, and hard-working people and businesses who have experienced intense flooding should not have to worry about paying council tax and business rates while they focus on their recovery.

“Funding announced today will give all eligible, flooded households and businesses immediate relief on their council tax and business rates for at least the next three months, and help communities recover.”

Measures announced today means a homeowner in a band D property in Doncaster could see a saving of over £400 over three months.

Today’s announcement follows a series of measures introduced by the Government including:

— The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) activated the emergency Bellwin scheme. Under Bellwin, local authorities dealing with the flooding can apply to have 100 per cent of their eligible costs, above a threshold, reimbursed by the Government. This could be for items including rest centres, temporary accommodation and staff overtime 

— MHCLG is providing a Community Recovery Grant to local councils — equivalent to £500 per eligible household — to help communities and vulnerable people in areas severely affected by the flooding with their immediate recovery.

— The Department has deployed Recovery Liaison Officers to the most intensely affected local authorities who will work closely with all councils and Local Resilience Forums.

— The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is providing 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.

— The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has extended its Farming Recovery Fund to support farmers badly affected by the recent flooding. Through this scheme, farmers and land managers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their property will be able to apply for grants of between £500 and £25,000 to cover repair costs.

— The Government set up the cross-Whitehall Flood Recovery Taskforce, attended by Ministers and representatives from local councils. The taskforce will meet daily to provide local areas with bespoke support and guidance.

— The public can check their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation, or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.