Council gives £½m to flood affected households

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Executive yesterday, Tuesday 21 August, agreed to pay all householders affected by the recent floods £250 grant.  

"We want to give something to everyone whose home was flooded and reduce the burden on the rest of the council tax payers," says Councillor Les Topham, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council.  

"We know this is a dreadful time for individuals who are still clearing up after the recent floods and we will be looking at it in detail and working with and influencing partners to minimise the chance of this happening in the future."  

Further surveys are 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.

• The District Council has already received £600,000 from the Government.
• The District Council has currently spent £116,000 on the emergency.
• The main affected communities were Alcester, Bidford-on-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam, Welford, Wellesbourne.
• The District Council has 15 families in bed and breakfast.  A further 37 families received emergency accommodation and there were 40 other referrals.
• The Council received between 250-300 calls to its Emergency Centre during the 24 hours of the flooding incident.
• Just over 500 calls have been received for special collections, to remove household items such as the full range of white goods and furniture.
• Applications for Council Tax relief has so far been received from 75 households and 16 businesses.
• Some 20 households have made contact in relation to water quality, and these have received advice, and further water sampling will take place.