Around 7,700 properties were flooded this winter, and more than 1,000 affected householders are still waiting to move back in, according to the Department for Communities and Local Government.
In February, DCLG ministers announced a three-month council tax discount for affected households, but last week this was extended for as long as people were unable to return home. DCLG estimates this extended support will cost £6m – £2m more than was originally set aside.
Announcing the extension, local government minister Brandon Lewis said: ‘Thankfully many people have been able to return to their homes, but for some the process of homes drying out is going to take a little longer still. I don’t want to see any of those families having to worry about paying their council tax while they focus on getting their lives back in order.
‘So from [April 11] the government will extend its discount and no family will pay a single penny in council tax until they are safely back in the comfort of their own home.’
According to DCLG, 48 local authorities have already offered affected residents the discounts, with a further 63 actively planning to do so.
