Council tax relief for homeless flood victims
A year on from the floods which devastated swathes of the UK, the Government has pledged to help those still living away from their homes with council tax bills.
The flooding in June and July forced thousands from their houses, prompting the “biggest recovery operation since the Second World War”, according to Floods Recovery Minister John Healey.
While the majority have managed to return, more than 4,700 households are still in temporary accommodation, caravans or the top floor of their house.
Yesterday, Mr Healey pledged to help these households with council tax bills because “it would not be fair for them to pay council tax for homes they can’t live in”.
After the floods, local authorities were able to offer council tax exemptions – but only for one year.
Mr Healey’s latest announcement means councils can now use extra discretionary discounts of up to 100 per cent for families, who would have faced over £3 million in council tax over the coming year.
“And I am also promising Government will provide funding for this so other local taxpayers are not unfairly affected. This is a special step in recognition of these special circumstances,” he added.
He also said he had put pressure on insurance companies to give people an idea of when they would be back in their homes.
