Somerset residents impacted by flash floods to receive council tax discount
It follows the devastating flash flooding in North Cadbury, Queen Camel and the surrounding villages back in May
Somerset residents whose homes were recently hit with flash floods may not have to pay any council tax for the rest of the year.
A major incident was declared in Somerset on May 9 as heavy rainfall prompted flash flooding in North Cadbury, Queen Camel and the surrounding villages, with properties being evacuated and roads closed.
Somerset Council has been working with its partners to support the people affected, with at least 92 properties in this part of Somerset being affected (though not all had to be evacuated).
The council has now announced a new council tax support scheme for those affected, allowing people to waive their council tax for up to 12 months depending on how severely they were impacted.
Under the Local Government Finance Act 1992, local authorities have the power to implement council tax discounts following major incidents, in order to provide financial relief to households.
Under the new scheme, households who had to vacate their homes for at least three consecutive days as a result of the flooding will receive a 100 per cent relief for a month.
If their properties cannot be safely reoccupied at least a month after the flooding, they can apply for an ongoing 100 per cent discount for up to 12 months – meaning, in the most extreme circumstances, they could be exempt from paying council tax until mid-2024.
The relief scheme will be funded from the council’s existing reserves up to a limit of £160,000.
Richard Sealy, the council’s interim revenues and benefits manager, said: “This policy is intended to solely apply to properties flooded as a result of the flash flooding on May 10, 2023, and is not intended to create a wider or general policy in relation to flood damaged properties, as ad hoc instances can be dealt with under our existing hardship policy.
“For larger incidents of flooding, we will need to take a view on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the availability of central government financial support as to the level of additional council tax support that is available.
“The policy provides a bespoke approach to this flooding incident and is intended to provide a smoother and quicker claims process.”
To claim a discount on your council tax, or to see if you are eligible for a discount, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/benefits-and-payments/council-tax-reduction.