£6.5m flooding support for Welsh communities

Welsh Government Ministers have announced £6.5million to support local authorities and people affected by flooding during the Alert Level 4 lockdown.

The funding will allow local authorities to claim for the costs of responding to flooding including support to residents to address the immediate cost of water damage and replacing necessary belongings.

Welsh Government has already announced it will support households who have suffered flooding in their homes or were evacuated with payments of £500 and £1,000, similar to the support provided during storms Ciara and Dennis last year.

Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James said: “Dealing with the damage caused by flooding is difficult enough, but having to deal with it in the midst of a pandemic is extremely challenging. This fund will enable local authorities to make payments to individuals to assist them to stay in their own homes safely, to minimise contacts and the spread of the virus.

“Local authorities are working extremely hard to support people whose homes have been devastated by flooding and I want to offer my sympathy and support to everyone who has been affected.”

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: “We understand the devastating impacts that major flooding incidents have on communities, particularly during these challenging times.  

“I am pleased that the additional funding we are announcing today will help local authorities to provide vital support to those affected.”