£1,000 payment for flood victims

An extension to the June – August 2012 scheme to end of October 2012 was approved by Finance Minister Sammy Wilson following episodes of heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding.

Alex Attwood said: “Following more heavy rainfall and flooding in recent days, I am letting people know that the £1,000 emergency payment scheme remains in operation. I have been advised that there has been flood damage to homes in recent days and hours. Residents may be entitled to the £1.000 payment to help out in this difficult time

“Detailed guidance on the operation of the scheme has been issued to all 26 councils. Individual householders will be eligible for a £1,000 payment as an offer of practical assistance to those who have suffered severe inconvenience, to ensure homes are made habitable as quickly as possible. It is not a compensation payment.

“If you feel that you may be entitled to the payment, contact your council as soon as possible and they will arrange for an urgent inspection of your property. If the council decides that your claim is eligible, you will receive your payment within a matter of days.

“In addition, your council can also offer a range of practical help and guidance, including collection, retention and disposal of damaged household contents, assistance with arrangements to clean up your home and garden, and also by providing de-humidifiers to dry out affected homes.

“I and my Executive colleagues want to help those most severely affected to get back to normal as quickly as possible and to assist them in ensuring their homes are habitable. Working with and through councils, my aim is to ensure that practical and financial help is delivered to those most in need as early as possible.”

Useful information on what to do if flooding occurs and contact details for the 26 local councils are available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk or here. The Flooding Helpline is 0300 2000 100.

Contact details for the 26 local councils in Northern Ireland are also in the Yellow Pages or your Local BT phone book.