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Suffolk residents affected by storm could get £500

Richard Stanford Needham Lake just on the edge of Needham Market near the A14Richard Stanford
Interim figures show more than 200 properties in Suffolk were flooded (picture shows Needham Lakes)

Homes and businesses affected by Storm Babet may be eligible to receive flood financial support, Suffolk County Council said.

The council said interim figures after the week's floods suggest 200 properties in the county have been affected.

Households can apply for up to £500 to help with immediate costs.

The council urged people to report all damaged premises and said it expected the number of properties to rise.

The government's communities secretary Michael Gove said the money would be a "helping hand so they can get back on their feet and recover".

Matthew Hicks, Conservative leader of the council, said: "It is absolutely key that all residents who suffered flood damage report the incident.

"I would urge them to take the time in fill in a flood report online.

"We know that this financial support is urgently needed, and we will do everything in our power to get it out to home and business owners as soon as possible."

Lex/BBC WeatherWatchers Flooded road in StradishallLex/BBC WeatherWatchers
A flooded junction in Stradishall shows the extent of the depth of the flood waters

On Wednesday, the government announced a number of financial measures to support those who had experienced exceptional localised flooding.

Under the new measures, flooded households could apply for up to £500 to help with urgent costs.

Properties that have been significantly affected would be eligible for 100% council tax and business rate relief for at least three months.

Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas could be eligible for a Business Recovery Grant of up to £2,500 to help them get up and running again.

Property owners would also be able to apply for up to £5,000, to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.

The support would be made available through the Flood Recovery Framework, which is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.

People without access to the internet should call the SCC customer service number on 0345 606 6171.

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