Suffolk flooding: Residents to get financial aid for damaged properties

Residents who had to deal with floods after Storm Babet hit will be given financial support, the council said.

Suffolk County Council said the number of properties and businesses affected by last month's storm had reached 750.

It stated help would be delivered through grants and council tax and business rate reductions.

Met Office data showed between 75mm (3in) and 100mm (4in) of rain fell across East Anglia during the four day storm.

The local authority - which is working in conjunction with Babergh and Mid-Suffolk, East Suffolk, Ipswich and West Suffolk councils - repeated a call for those who had been affected by the flooding to report it through its online tool.

Matthew Hicks, leader of the Conservative-controlled Suffolk County Council, said: "We are committed to ensuring this vital financial support finds its way into the hands of those who need it."

Eligible individuals could be given a grant of £500 for homes and £2,500 for businesses to assist with initial recovery costs.

Households and businesses that suffered internal flooding between 19 and 25 October may also be eligible for a 100% discount on their council tax or business tax for three months.

The council also hopes to be able to offer up to £5,000 for residents to make their properties more resilient to future flooding, although details of the scheme are yet to be finalised.

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