| answer text |
<p>Storm Henk impacted large parts of Oxfordshire, including homes, businesses and
infrastructure. My thoughts are with those affected.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment
Agency worked tirelessly to minimise the impacts of flooding by operating flood assets,
issuing flood warnings, making sure rivers were free of blockages and, where appropriate,
putting out temporary barriers. Following the storm the Environment Agency continues
to engage with impacted communities to gather information that will help them, and
partners, better understand how they can support the communities to increase their
resilience flooding.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Agency is working with partners
to provide a joined-up approach so that communities get the most appropriate and swift
support, including the ongoing work to develop and deliver projects such as the Oxford
Flood Alleviation Scheme.</p><p> </p><p>In January 2024, the Government announced
the launch of the Flood Recovery Framework for areas most affected by Storm Henk.
These schemes closed on 12 April and included:</p><p> </p><ul><li>Community Recovery
Grant - £500 per eligible flooded household.</li><li>Business Recovery Grant - £2,500
per eligible small or medium business.</li><li>Council tax and business rates relief
– Minimum three months of relief per eligible household/business.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Defra
also activated the Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Repair Grant scheme where eligible
properties can receive up to £5,000 to install PFR measures. Households and business
who suffered from internal flooding should contact Oxfordshire County Council to apply.
The PFR scheme opened on 8 January and will close in July 2025.</p><p> </p><p>We are
also actively reviewing the areas eligible for support through the Farming Recovery
Fund to ensure it supports areas where farmland is most impacted due to Storm Henk.
Oxfordshire is among these areas being considered for inclusion in the Fund. We are
working through the impacts and will set out the position on the additional areas
to be included in the Fund shortly. We will write to all those eligible farmers informing
them of the funding they are able to claim.</p>
|
|
