While many of these families affected by last summer's floods are now back home, this step - in recognition of special circumstances - will help councils giving council tax discounts so families do not face bills for homes they could not live in.
As reported to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee latest estimates show the number of families still out of their homes has more than halved since the end of June, falling to around 1,100. Initially 48,000 homes were affected by the flood water. Despite the much wider scale flooding last summer, progress compares well with the 2005 floods in Carlisle where one in ten displaced households were still not back after 18 months.
Homes that were unoccupied and in need of major repair were exempt from council tax after the floods - but these exemptions are only allowed for a year. That is why in June Mr Healey wrote to councils reminding them they also have the power to give discretionary discounts of up to 100% and urged them to do so. Given the other burdens on these councils, he promised that Government would cover the cost for this so other local council tax payers are not unfairly affected.
This new money brings total Government support for areas affected by last summer's floods to over £134million. Today's payments include:
- Hull City Council will receive over £445,000 to help over 500 families;
- Tewkesbury Borough Council will receive £233,000 to help around 130 families;
- West Berkshire Council will receive over £110,000 to help over 80 families;
- East Riding Council will receive almost £120,000 to help over 300 families; and
- Wychavon District Council will receive almost £50,000 to help almost 120 families.
John Healey also outlined the ongoing support being offered to communities in the North East affected by September's floods. Residents in all 906 affected homes in Morpeth and 58 in Rothbury have been contacted by the local authority and offered help and support. Government is working closely with the local councils on their applications for financial support through the Bellwin scheme.
Community groups have set up a drop-in centre for local people to use providing internet and phone facilities, while local charities have been distributing donations of furniture and household items. The Regional Development Agency One North East has set up a support fund for local businesses. So far 37 applications have been received - 19 of which have to date been paid totalling £37,266.
While on a visit to Hull to meet a family affected by last summer's floods John Healey said:
"For most people last summer's floods are a distant memory. But I know many families and communities still feel the effects on a daily basis. That's why I have taken special steps, in recognition of these special circumstances, to help councils who have undertaken to ensure families don't pay council tax for homes they cannot live in.
"It has taken time but life is getting back to normal for communities. Latest estimates show that that over half of those who were out of their homes at the end of June are now back. I am determined this progress continues. That's why I continue to work with the insurance industry and local agencies to support efforts to get communities back to normal and families back home.
"I also remain in close touch with agencies helping those communities hit by the floods in September. Recovery work is progressing well with local agencies and charities actively providing support to households and businesses. And Government is working closely with the local councils on their applications for financial support through the Bellwin scheme."
