The government has activated the Flood Recovery Framework to ensure communities impacted by flooding will benefit from thousands of pounds of government funding to help them recover from the impact of Storm Babet.

The Framework, which was established in 2017, is the government’s primary route for providing swift, responsive financial support packages to households and businesses impacted by severe flooding in England. It is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.

The Framework is activated at Ministerial discretion and has been activated twice previously:

• in November 2019, following heavy rainfall in northern and central England 
• after Storms Ciara and Dennis in February 2020

The measures announced by Communities Secretary Michael Gove and Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey mean:

• Flooded households in affected areas can apply for up to £500 to give cash quickly to help with immediate costs.
• Households and businesses significantly affected by recent flooding will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least 3 months.
• Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.
• Eligible flood-hit property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.

Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme will soon be open to help residents better protect their property in the future and would offer some peace of mind as they rebuild and repair.

The support will be available through councils who will announce further details on eligibility and how to apply.