GBP1 Million Funding Boost for South Yorkshire Flood Charity

LONDON, England, Dec. 31 -- The British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs issued the following news release, dated Dec. 27:

A charity helping vulnerable people affected by flooding in South Yorkshire will get a pound sterling1 million boost, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced.

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 pound sterling1 million.

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 pound sterling500,000 already, with the government pledging to match all funds raised up to the value of pound sterling1 million.

The government has also pledged a further pound sterling300,000 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 pound sterling5,000 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.

Further information

The government has provided the same level of support to communities affected by the November 2019 floods as it did for those affected by the 2015 floods when 17,000 homes and 4,000 businesses were affected.

You can donate to the South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal Fund.

Match funding

The South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal Fund was set up by the South Yorkshire Community Foundation to support people who have been displaced from their homes and had their property damaged by severe flood waters.

The funding will match charitable contributions made to the South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal Fund and will prioritise the individuals and families who are suffering hardship following the flooding.

Insurance review

In 2016, the government established the Flood Re scheme, a joint initiative between government and industry. Over 20 million households now have buildings insurance that covers flood risk and the introduction of Flood Re has seen 4 out of 5 households with a previous flood claim getting price reductions of more than 50% for their insurance.

The government has been working in partnership with the insurance industry to ensure the necessary support is available to help homes and businesses. However, the recent flooding has seen reports of people not having sufficient insurance cover. The government will therefore investigate issues facing communities and small businesses.

* * *

- The government will match the funds raised by the South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal Fund up to the value of pound sterling1 million.

- Communities Secretary pledges extra funding to help vulnerable people affected by recent floods

- South Yorkshire Disaster Relief Fund to receive up to pound sterling1 million match funding, with an additional pound sterling300,000 for other affected areas

- Environment Secretary announces review into insurance cover following recent flooding