Wiltshire Council Expresses Disappointment Over Absence of Flood Funding

A local authority has conveyed its “disappointment” regarding the absence of governmental assistance for individuals impacted by floods, even after a recent visit by the Minister for Water and Flooding. After Storm Bert, Wiltshire Council had expected financial aid to be provided, consistent with previous occurrences. The county continues its recovery from the storm, which led to extensive inundation of commercial establishments and private residences throughout the area. Nevertheless, the government has now affirmed that no grant funding will be accessible to residents or businesses in the aftermath of the Storm Bert floods. It stated it is endeavoring to comprehend the consequences for affected communities. Councillor Richard Clewer, who leads Wiltshire Council, commented: “It is extremely disappointing that the government has decided not to provide financial support to our residents and businesses, who were hit hard by Storm Bert.” He added: “This is particularly frustrating as we know just how much any funding would have helped affected residents and businesses get back on their feet.” The council indicated that governmental funding had been supplied in prior years under comparable conditions. “However, despite the worst flooding in Chippenham and Melksham since the 1960s, as well as the Avon bursting its banks in Bradford on Avon, we will receive nothing this time around,” Mr Clewer further stated. He continued: “We even had the Minister for Water and Flooding visit Wiltshire following Storm Bert, which illustrates how serious the situation was here.” The government’s Flood Recovery Framework is designed to offer grants to households and businesses affected by flooding. Nevertheless, this assistance was not activated subsequent to Storm Bert. Mr Clewer described the decision as “difficult to understand,” noting that the council has consistently received funds for distribution to impacted businesses and residents after every significant flooding event since 2013. He affirmed: “We will continue to do all we can to lobby the government and to try to secure the funding that our communities need.” During the period of Storm Bert, the council recorded over 220 instances of flooding across the county, encompassing both roadways and various properties. A representative from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government stated: “Flooding is devastating for those affected and we hope that people can get back on with their lives as soon as possible. “We know that local authorities are working hard to provide support, and we are working with them to understand the impacts on communities, households and businesses.” For further updates, follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.