1 million pounds funding boost for South Yorkshire flood charity

LONDON, 27 December 2019 /PRNewswire Policy/ --

The government will match the funds raised by the South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal Fund up to the value of 1 million pounds.

A charity helping vulnerable people affected by flooding in South Yorkshire will get a 1 million pounds boost, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced today (27 December 2019).

This new funding builds on the support that government has already provided to help people and businesses affected by flooding across England in November 2019.

It is expected to help those families and homeowners in South Yorkshire who have been most affected by the flooding and face considerable hardship as a result.

Praising the incredible efforts of charities, volunteers and local communities who have come together to help the area recover, Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP confirmed the government will match the funds raised by the South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal Fund up to the value of 1 million pounds.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

"The flooding in South Yorkshire this winter has been devastating for families. However, when I visited Bentley, in Doncaster, I was humbled by the incredible strength of community spirit.

"Along with the hard work of the emergency services, the response from charities and volunteers has been outstanding.

"From helping with the immediate emergency response, to providing temporary accommodation and getting people the legal and financial advice they need, this support has been crucial to these hard-hit communities.

"But more support is still needed, which is why we're matching money raised by the South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal Fund pound for pound, to further help vulnerable people facing hardship to recover and get back on their feet."

It has also been confirmed that the government will investigate the extent to which those affected by flooding did not have sufficient insurance cover.

Further information about the review will be published in the new year. It will help to identify any implications for future flood events.

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said:

"We have listened to communities that have been affected by flooding and understand just how important it is to ensure that everyone is able to access sufficient insurance cover.

"That's why we will be reviewing insurance cover following the recent flooding to understand any lessons to be learned for the future."

The South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal Fund has raised over 500,000 pounds already, with the government pledging to match all funds raised up to the value of 1 million pounds.

The government has also pledged a further 300,000 pounds of match-funding for other eligible areas affected by recent flooding, and where a flooding framework has been activated.

Today's announcement builds on support the government has already provided to help those affected by recent flooding. This includes:

- Up to 5,000 pounds made available for flood-hit homes and businesses in eligible areas to help make their properties more resilient to future flooding.

- Community Recovery Grants for local councils to help households recover.

- Business Recovery Grants for eligible small and medium-sized businesses that have suffered severe impacts from the floods.

- Activated the emergency Bellwin Scheme, under which local authorities dealing with the flooding could apply to have 100% of their eligible costs – above a threshold – reimbursed by the government.

- Council Tax and Business Rate Relief for affected homes and businesses.

SOURCE UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs