The Head of Finance has submitted a report which considers a range of support schemes for the households and businesses affected by flooding in Winter 2013/14 to enable the Council to provide financial support to local residents and businesses affected.

Recommendations: That the City Executive agrees:

(i) The following flood support schemes for the payment of:

•           Support to businesses, including

       *   Business rates flooding relief

       *   Business support grant

       *   Repairs and renewals grants

•           Help to homeowners, including

       *   Council tax discount and

       *   Repairs and renewals grants

and that the schemes are in line with approved government guidance and follow the principles set out in Appendix A;

(ii) That members delegate the administration of the above schemes to the Executive Director of Community Services and Executive Director of Organisational Development and Corporate Services.

The Head of Finance submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) concerning a range of support schemes for households and businesses affected by flooding in winter 2013/14. Councillor Bob Price presented the report to the Board and invited Nigel Kennedy (Head of Finance) to provide some background and context to it.

Nigel Kennedy informed that Board that 60 letters had been sent to premises that had been directly affected by flooding; and further batch would be sent to those properties that had been indirectly affected.  The Council had received 19 applications for help so far, with a further 2 for future resilience measures,  and these were being evaluated at present. One group of residents had made a combined application for a sump pump that would help them protect their properties in future.  It was not clear yet whether or not the Council could claim back its administration costs from the Government; however it was submitting a “Belwin” claim and hoped to receive approximately £200,000 to cover expenses incurred during the winter flooding event.

In answer to a question from Councillor Tanner, Councillor Price indicated that there was a flooding reserve allocated in the Budget, which could be used if necessary. Members of the Board felt it was important to make sure that people knew about this scheme. It was noted that there was information on the Council’s website; that letters had gone out and that Ward members were made aware of it, but it was suggested that community groups and community centres should also be contacted to ensure widest dissemination of the information.

The Board resolved to agree:-

(1)  The following support schemes for the payment of:

·         Support to businesses including

·           Business rates flooding relief;

·           Business support grants;

·           Repairs and renewals grants

·         Support for homeowners, including

·           Council tax discounts and

·           Repairs and renewals grants

And that the schemes are in line with approved Government guidance and follow the principles set out in Appendix A of the report;

(2)  That members of the Board delegate the administration of the above schemes to the Executive Director of Organisational Development and Corporate Services.