A package of government financial support is now available for local residents and businesses who were significantly impacted by Storm Henk last month.

This support is available through a scheme called the Flood Recovery Framework which is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.

Flooded households can apply for £500 from the Community Recovery Grant to help with immediate costs and small-to-medium sized businesses can apply for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return to business as usual. Households and businesses significantly affected could also be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 15 March 2024.

Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure, said: “Herefordshire experienced significant flooding as a result of Storm Henk. Currently around 60 properties in the county are known to have flooded internally and could be eligible for funding. I’d therefore like to encourage those affected to visit our website for more information about the grants available and eligibility criteria.”

“If you believe you qualify for support, please use our single online application form, and we will then assess your application as soon as possible. The funding is only available for a limited time, so I would encourage applicants not to hesitate.”

More information will be released in due course about how eligible flood-hit property owners can apply to Herefordshire Council for up to £5,000 to help make homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding.

Farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 for repair and reinstatement costs due to exceptional flooding. This is being administered by the Rural Payments Agency and further information will be provided when the scheme is launched.

More information can be found at herefordshire.gov.uk/storm-henk