Financial support for flood victims

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is preparing to send out the first batch of payments to residents who were affected by the recent flooding.   

The District Council's Executive decided to award £250 to all residents who have had water in their houses as a result of the flooding on or around 20 July after the Government awarded the District Council £623,000.  

A survey is currently being carried out by Council staff to identify the extent of flooding experienced and help provide information on how best to target further support.  

Questionnaires are being distributed to those affected and are available at council offices, or by phoning the floodline number on, 01789 260380. These forms should be returned Freepost to Stratford-on-Avon District Council by 21 September.  

Over 2,000 homes across the District were affected by the adverse weather conditions.  The emergency situation tested the District Council and its partners, and it was only the efforts of the emergency services and staff from the local authorities, including parish councils and the voluntary sector that stopped the situation from being worse than it was.

"The Council is pleased to be able to give residents of flood affected areas grant money to help with the recovery programme which is still taking place all over the District," says Cllr Chris Williams, Community Services Portfolio Holder.  

"As one of the most heavily hit areas in the Country, the District received the highest amount given to Local Authorities in recognition of flood damage. We are working tirelessly to influence other agencies to provide support for businesses affected by the floods and have already worked closely with Advantage West Midland to secure loans of up to £20,000 for individual businesses hit by flooding. 

"We are currently providing rate relief for businesses affected and collecting flood damage material from businesses free of charge and we don't normally collect commercial waste.  Sadly, there is very strict criteria concerning eligibility to qualify for the relief payments.   

"Also as with any major emergency the Council has incurred costs that are not recoverable under the Bellwin scheme and so money from the grant was retained to meet these costs, rather than passing them on the Council Tax payers."