Nottinghamshire flood victims to get compensation

Nottinghamshire flood victims could be in line for compensation from a £2 million fund.

Last Thursday MPs laid before Parliament an order providing financial support for all those affected in England since April last year.

The financial package will provide repair grants of up to £5,000 per affected household and it is expected to help more than 400 homes in the county.

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As many of 400 households in Nottinghamshire could benefit from the new measure, including more than 150 in Southwell.

Mark Spencer MP said: “I’m delighted this long campaign has eventually born fruit. There are a number of residents who live in fear every time it rains, this money will hopefully give them the opportunity to protect their homes and mitigate any future freak weather events

“I will be pressing our local councils to roll out a scheme so residents can apply as quickly as possible.”

The decision follows a long campaign by MPs Robert Jenrick and Mark Spencer which started when both raised the fact that Nottinghamshire residents just recovering from severe flooding would not receive the same support as those flooded in the south of England at the start of this year.

The full details of the schemes will be released shortly.

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The schemes will be administered by local councils, who will be responsible for advising flood victims.

Both local MPs (Robert Jenrick then a candidate), wrote to Eric Pickles and lobbied Ministers in January and February.

Mark Spencer brought Eric Pickles to meet flood victims in Hucknall and Farnsfield in March.

Robert Jenrick brought the then Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson to meet flood victims in Southwell, Thurgarton and Lowdham in May.

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Repair & Renew grants were the central measure provided by the Government to victims of the floods at the beginning of 2014, including in Somerset.

The financial package includes providing Repair & Renew grants of up to £5,000 to all homeowners flooded in this period, allowing flood victims to invest in individual flood protection measures for their homes, advised by qualified surveyors.

Robert Jenrick MP said it was an injustice that those flooded in Nottinghamshire in 2013 did not receive the same treatment as those areas badly flooded at the beginning of this year.

He added: “ That injustice has now been righted thanks to a concerted campaign at all levels of Government. “Mark and I were absolutely determined to win this battle. It is a major investment in our flood defences.”