FLOOD-HIT homeowners and businesses in Herefordshire could be eligible for tax breaks, support and up to £5,000 after central government awarded the county £130,000.

Last week the £10m Business Support Scheme allocated Herefordshire Council £110, 000 to assist homes businesses damaged by the exceptional rainfall in January and February.

This is in addition to the £20, 000 already set aside to cover damage done earlier in the winter.

The council will get in touch with businesses this week with details of how to apply for a ‘Repair and Renew’ grant of up to £5,000.

This is a one-off grant to go towards ‘resilient repair’; repair work that will make the affected building less susceptible to flood damage in the future.

It will only be available for measures over and above repairs normally covered by insurance.

Any businesses adversely affected by flooding may also be eligible for up to three months of business rate relief – to be underwritten by government – however “very small or insignificant impacts should be ignored”.

A similar scheme is in place, with £4m available nationwide, to help offer council tax discounts to home owners.

If your house has been flooded, discounts are available for up to three months, but are awarded at the discretion of the council.

All farmers hit by flooding will also be able to apply for emergency funding of up to £5,000 to help with uninsured losses and get farms into production again.

Administered by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the funding can be used to help restore grassland, arable and horticulture land, farm vehicle access to fields and to improve agricultural drainage

The Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme is also offering grants of up to £35,000 to help make businesses more resilient.

Designed with the NFU and local councils, the Farming Recovery Fund can be applied for by contacting Defra’s Rural Development Team at frf@defra.gsi.gov.uk or calling 0300 060 2700.

If your home has been affected by flooding, please email the details to StHodges@herefordshire.gov.uk or phone 01432 261923.

If your business has been affected, please contact economicinvestment@herefordshire.gov.uk or call 01432 261758.