Council compensation offered to flooding victims

Financial support is being offered by the Royal Borough to flood-hit householders.

Flood relief funds of £257,000 are available towards repairing damaged homes or paying for future protection measures.

Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, Clr Andrew Jenner, said: "Obviously, the first call must be to insurers but if there are any uninsured losses or damage then the council fund may be able to help."

Anyone forced into temporary accommodation can also apply for a council tax exemption while their home is out of bounds.

Cllr Simon Dudley, cabinet member for finance, said: "The council is four-square behind residents who may be facing hardship and, for some, a council tax exemption could make all the difference."

The council said its staff have been working tirelessly since the storms began.

Its adult social care team helped evacuate a dozen elderly and disabled people from their homes, while community wardens have been maintaining a reassuring presence in flooded areas.

The borough added its streetcare staff have worked 12-hour shifts to provide 24-hour patrols of the worst affected areas, meeting residents and monitoring water levels.

The customer contact centre also extended its hours for callers to get through.

Communications manager Anne Dackombe said: "This work came immediately after the severe storms so many of these guys have been providing non-stop support for three weeks on the trot, out in the cold and wet.

"It’s been a tough time for them, but they still keep cheerful."

Check the council's flooding updates for details about how to apply for the flood relief fund and council tax exemptions and to fill in an application form.