Flood Protection Scheme grants now available

The Government has announced details of the first round of grants under the £5 million Flood Protection Scheme, which is aimed at helping homeowners reduce the risk of flood damage.

Twenty five local authorities in England can call on an initial £3 million under the scheme and 593 properties should benefit.

The money is to be spent on practical flood protection solutions, including air brick covers and door guards.

According to Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, flooding cannot always be prevented so some households across England need to become “more resilient” to flooding from rivers, sea, surface and ground water.

The minister has described the response from local authorities as “overwhelming” explaining “people living in areas ranging from Devon to Newcastle and from Lancashire to Lewes who are at risk of flooding will receive grants to help them better protect their homes.”

Funding for the second round will be reviewed in the months ahead and an extra £500,000 has already been allocated specifically to help those areas affected by the floods of Summer 2007.

Apparently, local authorities denied access to the first round of grants because of funding restrictions will automatically be considered in the second round.

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