Councils in Suffolk have received 750 reports of internal flooding to homes or businesses following Storm Babet, Suffolk County Council said on 10 November 2023, and the number is expected to increase. The council said residents who experienced exceptional property flooding during the storm will start receiving financial support during November.
The support follows the Government's announcement of grants and council tax reductions through the Flood Recovery Framework. Suffolk County Council is collecting information and assessing reports, while the district and borough councils distribute funding to eligible owners. The council is working with Babergh and Mid-Suffolk, East Suffolk, Ipswich and West Suffolk councils to ensure discounts and payments start during November.
Households and businesses that suffered internal flooding between 19 and 25 October 2023 due to Storm Babet may be eligible for the following, as set out by the council:
| Support | Amount or terms |
|---|---|
| Grant for initial recovery costs | £500 for homes; £2,500 per business |
| Council tax / business rates discount | 100% discount for a minimum of 3 months |
| Resilience funding | Up to £5,000 to make homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding; the county council is working to set this scheme up at the earliest opportunity, but it is not currently available |
"We are committed to ensuring this vital financial support finds its way into the hands of those who need it. I encourage those who have not yet submitted a report via the reporting tool to do so as soon as possible."
Why it matters for households
The payments and discounts are tied to reports of internal flooding logged through Suffolk County Council's reporting tool, which the council describes as the first step to receiving a potential payout. Reports are submitted at highwaysreporting.suffolk.gov.uk under "Report It", then "Drainage and Flooding", then "Flooding inside residential / non-residential property", with an option to upload photos. Those unable to report online can call 0345 606 61711.
After a report is submitted, county council officers contact the reporter to gather further information and prioritise locations that meet the criteria for an official investigation. Someone from the district or borough council then contacts the household or business to arrange payment, if eligible1. Eligibility is limited to internal flooding between 19 and 25 October 2023 caused by Storm Babet1. The resilience scheme of up to £5,000 is not yet open1.
For households dealing with the aftermath, the site's guides cover home insurance in a flood risk area and Flood Re, who manages flood risk: agencies, councils and water companies, flood doors and flood windows and mental health after a flood: where to get support. The flooding guide and flood warnings guide explain the alert levels, and council help in severe weather sets out what councils provide during and after an incident.
What happens next
Suffolk County Council said payments and council tax and business rates discounts are intended to start during November 2023, and that it is working to set up the resilience scheme at the earliest opportunity1. The council has not reported a closing date for reports or for applications.
Sources (1)
- suffolk.gov.uk, suffolk.gov.uk
