Take up offers of help, MP tells damage victims

Bath MP Wera Hobhouse is urging residents of Bath impacted by Storm Henk to apply for financial support announced by the government.

Communities all over the South West have been rocked by the damage of Storm Henk. From families whose houses have severely flooded to businesses facing closure, many are trying to recover from the effects of the recent storm.

On Saturday, the government announced it would be providing financial support to eligible areas in England experiencing exceptional localised flooding. This support, made available through the Flood Recovery Framework, focuses on helping families, farmers and businesses recover from the damage of Storm Henk.

To help with immediate recovery after the floods, households can apply for up to £500 cash. Households and businesses significantly affected will have 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.

In order to prevent future flooding and damage to buildings, eligible property owners can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.

Farmers will also be eligible for financial support. Those whose land has suffered uninsurable damage will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Farming Recovery Fund towards repair and reinstatement costs.

Mrs Hobhouse, inset, said: “People across Bath and the South West have been hit by the extreme flooding caused by Storm Henk. Despite their best efforts to prepare, houses have been seriously damaged, and many families are now worried about repair costs.

“The government’s announcement of financial support for those affected by flooding is a welcome relief and I would urge everyone who could benefit to apply. However, people would not be left needing to rebuild their homes were it not for the years of Conservative cuts to flood protection for houses.

“Offering financial relief to those whose homes and businesses have seen severe damage is the very least this government can do. It is shameful that they give with one hand and yet continue to take with the other by slashing flood protection plans for 2027 by 40%.”