Grants plan to aid flood-hit areas

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Plans have been put forward to provide grants for people to protect properties against flooding and save on home insurance premiums.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is also committing £125,000 to an interactive website and phone line which will give people advice and information on how to safeguard their property against floods.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn made the announcement as he visited a flood-affected neighbourhood in Leeds.

The pilot scheme in the area will introduce measures that can cut the impact of flooding - either by keeping water out of homes or reducing damage if they become inundated.

Measures to prevent floodwater entering homes could include temporary door guards, while water-resistant plaster and raising electrics can reduce the costs of home insurance premiums.

A number of pilot areas have been given funding for households and businesses to put in measures which could cut the cost of damage.

Mr Benn said: "There is much that can be done to lessen the impact of flooding on both residential and business properties, if people have the right advice and help to do this."

"Doing so can also help to improve the terms of your home insurance," he added.

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