News story: UK floods 2014: government response and recovery

Updated: Added infographic showing progress made and take up of the flood recovery schemes at 7 April 2014.

Government departments, local authorities and agencies are working together to do everything they can to help communities recover from the extreme weather during winter 2013 to 2014.

Flood recovery schemes for communities and businesses

The winter of 2013 to 2014 was the wettest on record with over 7,800 homes and nearly 3,000 commercial properties flooded. To date about £14 million has already been paid out to help communities recover and to meet the costs of protecting lives and properties in the future, with a further £183.5 million due to be paid to local authorities by the end of March.

See all the flood support schemes and funding available from central government and get details on how to apply.

Schemes include:

a repair and renew grant of up to £5,000 each for all affected homeowners and businesses to top up any money received from insurers and make sure flood resilience is built into repairs - launched on 1 April
the business support scheme - a £10 million fund to support businesses to develop and implement business recovery plans
business rate relief - an estimated £9 million to give all affected businesses 100% business rate relief for 3 months and to give them an extra 3 months to pay the business taxes they owe to HMRC as they get back on their feet
a support fund for coastal tourism businesses - £2 million to provide practical assistance to coastal areas to help them boost summer trade
the Council Tax discount scheme - funding of up to £4 million to enable councils to cover Council Tax discounts for flood hit households for at least 3 months
the enhanced Bellwin scheme - to give help to local authorities incurring expenditure above the usual qualifying threshold
the farming flood recovery fund - £10 million which will provide grants of up to £5,000 to support farm businesses to bring flooded land back into production as quickly as possible
the severe weather recovery scheme - an £86.5 million fund to help speed the recovery in affected areas, including fixing the most damaged roads

See progress made and take up of the schemes at 7 April 2014.

Flood recovery financial support packages at 7 April 2014

Quick links

Flood insurance

Insurers have arranged temporary alternative accommodation for over 2,100 households and loss adjusters have made over 6,500 visits to flooded properties to assess the damage, organise emergency payments and get drying out repairs started as quickly as possible.

The Association of British Insurers has published a film on how to protect your home if you live in a flood prone area, or make a claim if you’re recovering from a flood. You can find more information on the Association’s website

Flood insurance: protecting your home and making a claim

The major banks have made a total commitment in excess of £750 million to provide financial support to business and individual customers affected by the floods.

Government action on flood defences

Since early December 2013, flood defences have protected more than 1.3 million properties from flooding. These flood defences are currently being inspected by the Environment Agency with help from the military. A total funding package of £270 million has been made available to repair or maintain flood defences, including £10 million for Somerset.

Ongoing risk of groundwater flooding

The Environment Agency expects the situation to continue to improve a risk of groundwater flooding remains, particularly in the south of England and the Thames Valley. All agencies are working closely together to protect property and critical infrastructure.

Find out if your area is at risk of flooding with the Environment Agency Live Flood Warning map.

environment agency staff inspecting water levels

Transport

£103 million has been made available to councils across England for emergency road maintenance. The transport situation is improving with the Dawlish train line now reopened, but some rail services are still affected.

Tonbridge to Hastings reopening delayed following ground movement on 28 February
Barmouth to Pwllheli estimated to reopen on 19 May

Health

Public Health England continues to support the response and recovery operation and has published guidance on recovering from the floods.

Advice and information

Environment Agency

For advice on the risk of flooding in your area and how to prepare, visit the Environment Agency’s website or follow them on Twitter: @EnvAgency.

Met Office

For the latest weather warnings visit the Met Office website or follow them on Twitter: @MetOffice.

Highways Agency

For advice on travel by road visit the Highways Agency website or follow them on Twitter: @Highways_Agency.

National Rail

Check with National Rail Enquiries for the latest updates on service disruptions.

Who to call if you have a power cut

Your chosen electricity provider sells you energy, but it’s your local distribution network operator who maintains the power lines that connect your home or business to the network.

Take a look now and make a note of the number of the company that covers your area in case you need to use it at some stage. Further information: Who to call when you have a power cut.