Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to implement flood recovery schemes administered by the department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) within the borough namely:
• Community Recovery Grant
• Council tax Discounts
• Business Rate Relief

The report seeks approval to delegate administration of the schemes to Director level in accordance with government guidance and the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Council and DLUHC.

The report also seeks establishment of necessary budgets to facilitate payment under the schemes.

Decision

Recommendation(s)
THAT the Leader of the Council:

1) Approves implementation the following Flood Recovery Schemes triggered as a result of Storm Babet:
• Community recovery grant
• Council tax relief
• Business rates relief


2) Delegates to the relevant Director, the authority to administer and determine applications for discretionary reduction in council tax under section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 in relation to persons whose dwellings have been flooded or rendered “unliveable” as a result of flooding caused by Storm Babet in the Borough of Gedling in line with government guidance.

3) Delegates to the relevant Director, the authority to administer and determine applications for discretionary reduction in business rates under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 in relation to persons and companies whose businesses have been rendered unable to trade from the affected premises as a result of flooding caused by storm Babet in the Borough of Gedling in line with government guidance.

4) Delegates to the relevant Director, the authority to administer and determine applications for the Community Recovery Grant of £500 per household, where the household has been internally flooded or is deemed to be “unliveable” for a period greater than 48 hours as a result of Storm Babet, in line with government guidance.

5) Delegates authority to Director level to complete the Memorandum of Understanding issued by DLHUC in relation to the Flood Recovery schemes.

Reasons for the decision

To ensure swift implementation of flood recovery schemes so that those residents and businesses impacted by Storm Babet can receive some financial support.

Alternative options considered

N/A