Craig Whittaker, Calder Valley’s Member of Parliament, has welcomed the Government’s move to extend the Property Flood Resilience Scheme.
The scheme provides up to £5,000 for each Calder Valley property flooded (whether home or business) to help install resilience measures, as part of the repairs, to better protect against future flooding - for example, putting plug sockets higher up the wall when the wiring is repaired.
The scheme will now be extended for an additional 9 months. The Government has agreed the extension because some local authorities have reported difficulties in getting tradespeople in for repairs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Local Authorities have also reported the need to temporarily divert resources during these difficult times.
Residential properties and business owners occupying properties that were flooded in February 2020 can go to the Calderdale Council website and complete the Expression of Interest forms online.
Craig Whittaker MP said:
“Storm Ciara had a devastating impact on the Calder Valley. Over 1,000 homes and businesses were flooded, and this was unfortunately not the first time for many of these properties.
Whilst COVID-19 is at the forefront of our minds, we must not forget flood victims. Calderdale Council were late in opening up this scheme, and I expressed disappointment at the time. But I’m delighted that the Government has taken a flexible approach by extending the deadline for the Property Flood Resilience Scheme.
The scheme is part of a package of measures to reduce the impact of flooding in the Calder Valley. The Property Flood Resilience Scheme will ensure properties can access grant funding to help make local properties easier and cheaper to clean up, and reduce the risk of potential flood damage in future.”