Businesses affected by flooding thrown a financial lifeline

Wiltshire businesses affected by floods are being thrown a lifeline, in the form of three government-funded schemes.

The schemes are designed to give firms support following disruption caused by the floods, and funding to help to protect their properties against flooding in the future.

Jonathon Seed, Wiltshire Council cabinet member responsible for flooding, said: “We want to let as many people as possible know about these grants which could be vital at this difficult time.

“The last few months have had a devastating effect on many businesses and individuals, and it is important we do everything we can to help ease that.”

The schemes are:

• Business Rate Relief – an initial three month relief could be available to businesses where the property has been flooded
• Business Support – this could see up to £2,500 awarded to help with the clear up costs for affected businesses. This award is aimed at costs above insurance cover for things such as immediate clean-up costs, materials, exceptional business costs (such as hire of drying equipment) and temporary accommodation to enable these businesses to continue trading. Claims will be based on an assessment by the Rural Grant Committee, which is made up of officers and councillors.
• Repair and Renewal Grant – this could mean a grant of up to £5,000 to carry out flood protection and prevention works (not available until April 1, 2014)

Details of these and other government schemes, such as the Time to Pay Scheme which allows business affected to manage their tax payments, are also available from www.wiltshire.gov.uk/floodreliefsupport