Setting out additional support following yesterday’s announcement of Bellwin funding for councils, Clark also said that businesses forced out of their premises would not have to pay business rates for the same period.
“We’re determined to stand squarely behind the communities and families whose lives have been turned upside down in the wake of storm Desmond,” he said.
“Residents and businesses who have been displaced by flooding should not have to worry about council tax and business rate bills on top of everything else they will be facing at this difficult time.
“That’s why we’ll make funding available to help householders and businesses with their council tax and business rates bills for as long as they are out of their properties.”
The Local Government Association said councils are now on stand-by for further storms
Flood alerts are still in place across parts of northwest England and LGA environment spokesman Peter Box said: “Councils are pulling out all the stops and working around the clock to protect and help their residents and businesses during this period of prolonged flooding.
“This weekend's storms in Cumbria and Lancashire have reminded us just how unforgiving and formidable nature can be but councils in the regions have worked hard to try and minimise the impact on residents. Councils work all year round to have emergency plans in place to cope with bad weather and have moved swiftly to put them into place this week.”