If recent flooding has contributed to financial hardship, you may be eligible for cost-of-living support. View the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Build Back Better – Flood Re
'Build Back Better' (BBB) is the process of putting in place measures that will make a home more resistant or resilient to flooding in the future.
Flood Re's proposition will enable the reimbursement (up to a limit of £10,000) of costs associated with Building Back Better as part of a flood claim, over and above work to repair damage and loss caused by a flood.
This can include carrying out surveys to understand the flood risk and potential mitigation, the addition of flood resistance measures such as flood doors, and flood resilience measures such as the replacement of damaged parts of the home with more flood resilient materials such as hard floors.
For more information on Build Back Better and to see which insurers are currently offering it, visit the Flood RE website.
Flood relief
Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Payment
The Council Tax Hardship Policy has been updated to include specific reference to homes affected by a severe weather event.
At para 3.11, the policy confirms that applications will be considered where the property has become 'unliveable' as a result of a severe weather event – where no other recourse is available (including where insurance not in place/does not cover Council Tax). This method of support is in respect of Council Tax only.
Instances where households might be considered unliveable are outlined at para 3.15.
This support is intended to be short-term and applications will be considered based on the evidence provided.
Business Rates Hardship Relief
Our discretionary rate relief policy provides guidance on when you might be eligible for hardship rate relief.
Flood recovery grants
Herefordshire Community Foundation
In the aftermath of Herefordshire flooding, immediate straightforward financial support for people affected is available from Herefordshire Community Foundation.
This helps with urgent needs like the cost of living in temporary accommodation or for items people need to stay in their homes, for example, dehumidifiers. Grants of £200 are available for affected households. Larger grants are available for projects providing relief support for affected communities.
Please note that as these funds are intended for immediate emergency needs, Herefordshire Community Foundation can only accept applications up to four weeks after the date of the flood.