Decision details

Cabinet approval is being sought for a package of financial support measures for households, businesses and charities that have suffered internal flooding as a result of the severe weather event of 9^th February 2020 and those affected in the future. The package has been developed in accordance with the Government’s Flood Recovery Framework and includes grants to support flood recovery and discretionary Council Tax/Business Rate discounts for affected parties.

1)    That approval be given to the implementation of the proposed package of financial support measures for households, businesses and charities that are severely affected by flooding, as outlined in section 2 of the considered report.

2)    That authority for implementation and monitoring of the Flood Recovery Grant scheme be delegated to the Strategic Director Economy and Infrastructure and the Service Director (Finance).

3)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director (Finance) to award Council Tax Reductions under s13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 in any case where properties have experienced internal flooding, as defined in section 2 of the report, and that such reductions be limited to a maximum of three months.

4)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director (Finance) to award Business Rate Discounts under s47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, as amended by the Localism Act 2011, in any case where properties have experienced internal flooding as defined in section 2 of the report, and that such reductions be limited to a maximum of three months or until the business is able to resume trading from the premises if longer.

5)    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (Economy and Infrastructure) and the Service Director (Finance) in consultation with the Leader of the Council for the monitoring of the programme and development of further financial and other measures to support recovery from severe weather events

6)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director (Finance) to negotiate with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government in relation to the recovery of any eligible costs arising from the implementation of the Flood Recovery Grant scheme, Council Tax and Business Rate Discounts; and the reimbursement of the Council’s uninsurable costs under the Bellwin Scheme.