Residents and businesses to shell out for flood defences with grants retrospective

The government launched its repair and renewal grants yesterday (Tuesday), which are designed to fund the installation of flood defences such as self-closing airbricks, non-return valves on waste pipes or waterproofing or re-pointing external walls.
However, those affected will have to fund the defences up-front, with the grant payments to be made retrospectively and if government criteria is met.
Upfront payments could be considered in some circumstances.
The grants can also not be used to cover the costs of repairing flood damage already incurred or insurance excess payments, and only those who were flooded between December 1, 2013, and March 13, 2014, will be considered.
Homes must have had flood damage to ‘habitable internal areas of the premises’, while damage to businesses properties must have impacted on a company’s day to day operations.
According to information provided by West Berkshire Council, this would not include damage incurred solely to storage areas.
The scheme is being administered locally by West Berkshire Council, who will assess which applicants are eligible for the grant, based on criteria supplied by the government.
The payments will be made by central Government.
For more information or to apply for a grant, visit www.westberks.gov.uk/floods