THE government has announced a package of funding for flood affected homes, businesses and councils.

There will be financial support although the details are not known yet and this will be key to who can claim.

This includes rebates on business rate and council tax relief.

There will be grants to help small businesses to recover.

Money will be available for households to improve their flood resilience.

“That will be welcomed by businesses and households,” said Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North.

He has asked people to contact him if there is specific help that they need.

Both Shropshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Council will qualify for funding.

Households affected by floods can apply for up to £500 in financial hardship payments. They will also be eligible for 100 per cent council tax relief for at least three months.

Businesses affected will be eligible for 100 per cent business rates relief for at least three months. Small and medium sized businesses (those with fewer than 250 employees) which have suffered severe, uninsurable losses will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant.

Flood-hit homes and businesses can apply for up to £5,000 to help make them more resilient to future flooding. No details are available yet from Defra.

The Bellwin Scheme, named after the 1980s environment minister Lord Bellwin, has been activated. Both Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin councils will be able to reclaim any spending above 0.2 per cent of their revenue budget to repair roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Clearance of trees, vehicle hire, evacuation and extra staff costs are potentially covered.

The Flood Recovery Taskforce, including environment, businesses and transport ministers, has met.