Government extends £5,000 grant scheme for flood-hit farmers
© Tim Scrivener Farmers and rural businesses whose properties were affected by flooding last winter have been given more time to apply for government grants of up to £5,000.
Defra announced on Tuesday (21 September) that its Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme would be extended by nine months to take into account delays to repair work and the additional pressures placed on local authorities by coronavirus.
The extension will give homeowners and businesses affected by the flooding in November 2019 and storms Ciara and Dennis in February this year more time to carry out repairs, and local authorities a greater period to process the grants.
See also: How to protect farm businesses against extreme weather
The grants of up to £5,000 are a contribution towards making a property more resilient to future flooding, such as putting in flood doors and raising electrics above ground level.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “While the pandemic has affected us all, those who endured the hardship of flooded properties in the weeks and months ahead of coronavirus bore an even greater burden than most.
“The £5,000 grant enables people to make their homes and businesses more resilient and better protected from future flooding. This is about helping them build back better and greener, while also providing a boost for local economies.”
How to apply
The PFR scheme is administered through local authorities. Members of the public should contact their council direct to access eligibility criteria and the application process for individual schemes.
The new deadline for applications from communities flooded in November 2019 is now 31 December 2021, while those flooded in February 2020 have until 1 July 2022.