Ministers have finally unveiled a package of measures aimed at helping flood-hit families and businesses which were inundated.
The Government was forced into announcing the help after a string of gaffes by Mr Johnson, including refusing to visit flood victims or trigger a meeting of the Government’s COBRA emergency committee.
Flood-hit households can apply for up to £500 in financial hardship payments for those in short-term need.
Households and firms “significantly affected” will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.
(Image: PA)
Small-to-medium sized businesses which have suffered “severe, uninsurable losses” will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant.
Unveiling the measures, Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “We’ve once again seen the devastating effects of floods on households and communities across the country.
“We know climate change means extreme weather events like this are more likely, and are already investing £2.6billion in flood defences by 2021, with over 600 projects already protecting 200,000 properties.
“This crucial funding will help people to make their homes more resilient and better protected if flooding happens again.”
Flood-hit communities have been pledged cash before.
Mr Johnson’s Government promised up to £1million to the South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Appeal following devastation in December.
When floods struck Yorkshire in December 2015, then PM David Cameron announced £280million for flood defences.
In February 2014, following floods in Tory heartlands in Surrey and Berkshire – and Conservative election targets in the South West – PM Mr Cameron said: “Money is no object in this relief effort. Whatever money is needed, we will spend it.”
Last week, the Government announced councils hit by flooding will be able to recoup some of their costs via emergency financial help through the Bellwin Scheme.
Nearly £5billion is due to be spent on flood defences in England up until 2026.
