Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance to District Councils - Flooding - August 2008

SAMMY WILSON ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF FLOODING EMERGENCY PAYMENTS SCHEME

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today urged householders hit by the recent floods to contact their local councils to help them access the Executive's emergency payments scheme.

The funding was approved by Ministers in the wake of the severe flooding which saw almost a month's rainfall on Saturday alone.

Mr Wilson said: “Ministers have agreed that, as in the way of the June 2007 floods, funds will be made available to local councils to help those most affected by the recent serious floods.

“Detailed guidance on the operation of the scheme has now issued to all 26 local councils. Individual householders will be eligible for a £1,000 payment as an offer of practical assistance to those who have suffered severe inconvenience, to ensure homes are made habitable as quickly as possible. It is not a compensation payment.”

“If you feel that you may be entitled to the payment, contact your local council as soon as possible so that an urgent inspection may be arranged. If the council decides that your claim is eligible, you will receive your payment within a matter of days.

“In addition, your council can also offer a range of practical help and guidance, including collection, retention and disposal of damaged household content, assistance in making arrangements to clean up home and gardens, and by providing de-humidifiers to dry out homes.

“My Department will reimburse councils for the £1,000 payments to individual householders, and for the direct and indirect costs of providing practical assistance and advice.”

“I and my colleagues in the Executive want to help those most severely affected to get back on their feet again and to assist them in ensuring their homes are habitable. Working with and through councils, my aim is to ensure that practical and financial help is delivered to those most severely affected as quickly as possible.”

For further information on the scheme please contact your local council