Ministers accused of 'penny-pinching' over £500 handout to Storm Babet victims

A £500 Government grant for victims of Storm Babet was branded “penny pinching” last night.

The extreme weather left hundreds of people homeless while at least seven people are believed to have been killed as torrential rain hit parts of the North, Midlands and Scotland. Those affected could be in line for cash grants, council tax relief or funding towards repairs and flood protection, the Government said last night.

The Tories announced money will be available to people who have experienced “exceptional localised flooding”. Communities Secretary Michael Gove said: “The support I am announcing today will give those impacted by these terrible floods a helping hand so they can get back on their feet and recover from Storm Babet.”

But Lib Dem environment spokesman Tim Farron said: “Any extra support should of course be welcomed. But families who have lost their homes... will need far more than this to get back on their feet. This is not the time for penny pinching. Ministers must stand with communities who have been devastated by this flooding.”

Flood-hit households can apply for up to £500 while homes and businesses are eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months, Ministers said. Small and medium-sized businesses in affected areas are eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant and flood-hit property owners can apply for up to £5,000 to better protect their homes.

Although areas affected by recent flooding continue to cope with the aftermath, the Met Office ’s yellow warnings for rain for today are focused on eastern Scotland and southern England. However, the Environment Agency has issued 43 flood warnings and 83 flood alerts across England and Wales.

Pictures showed submerged cars parked near Tewkesbury Abbey, Glos, surrounded by flood water, while residents in Ryde on the Isle of Wight had to wade through with sandbags after downpours left many roads impassable. And dozens of people in Fiskerton, Lincs, were advised to leave their homes yesterday over concerns about the stability of a bank of the River Witham.