Time is running out for residents affected by flooding to access a grant of up to £1000. The deadline for the Discretionary Assistance Fund is the 28th of August 2020 and the council is calling on affected property owners to get in touch before it is too late.
Monmouthshire County Council has already helped 150 residents access the grant to help them rebuild their lives after the unprecedented flooding in February 2020. Over 81% of eligible property owners have now received the grant, which can be used to replace white goods or items lost to flood water. The Welsh Government support package, which is administered by local authorities, is granted to people who find themselves in difficult situations or for those who have experienced flood/fire damage to their homes. The fund can be used to pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity or clothing after an emergency.
Following the severe flooding in November 2019 and February 2020, Monmouthshire County Council established the Recovery Co-ordinating Group (RCG) ‘Attis’ in conjunction with Gwent authorities and agencies in order to provide a joined up approach to offering support. The recovery group has helped residents and businesses to access a range of different funding streams and has worked to rebuild damaged infrastructure – continuing to operate throughout the pandemic to ensure residents are not forgotten.
Council Leader Peter Fox said: “I am pleased to hear we’ve been able to support 150 residents access the DAF fund which hopefully has helped them following a difficult time. Although the last few months have been difficult we want those residents affected by flooding events to know that we have not forgotten about you. We don’t want anyone who is eligible for this funding to miss out so please contact us so we can help you get the support you are entitled to.”
Eligible residents have until the 28th of August to apply for the DAF fund. Applications can be submitted by contacting the council via My Monmouthshire portal or app. Further information can also be found on the council’s website: https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/february-flooding/