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AM calls for council tax relief for flood victims

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 17:37, Monday March 2nd, 2020.
Last updated: 17:53, Monday March 2nd, 2020
Cllr Martyn James, left, and Delyth Jewell, fourth from left, with residents affected by flooding in Edward Street, Ystrad Mynach

An AM has called on Caerphilly County Borough Council to give Storm Dennis flood victims a six-month council tax break.

South Wales East AM Delyth Jewell has written to the council calling for more help to be offered to people affected by flooding.

The council has offered affected households £500 and affected businesses £1,000.

Flooding victims to receive financial help from Welsh Government

Ms Jewell also called on Welsh Government to consider offering free counselling to children whose homes were flooded.

The Plaid Cymru AM said: “The way that the community has banded together to support each other at such a challenging time has been truly inspirational.

“People have donated household appliances and offered financial aid to their neighbours, as well as giving emotional support.

“One thing that people desperately need is dehumidifiers, so if anybody has any they could lend the residents then I would greatly appreciate if they could get in touch with me to arrange it.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Teresa Parry said she was “very moved” after meeting Ystrad Mynach residents affected by the floods, alongside Ms Jewell and Cllr Martyn James.

Communities coming together to raise funds for flood damage repairs

Cllr Parry said: “At one point a resident broke down in tears as her children were suffering from the impact of the floods and they were afraid to come back home. It had been a terrifying ordeal for them.

“I asked the residents what more the council could do to support them and the overwhelming response was that they wanted a council tax holiday while they made their homes habitable again.”

Meanwhile, Caerphilly AM Hefin David said he has had “extensive discussions” with the council about providing council tax relief.

He said the council “have confirmed to me that where properties are uninhabitable due to flooding damage, residents will be provided with council tax exemptions”.

MPs call on UK Government to help flood-hit communities

Dr David added: “So, for example, if a property is uninhabitable for a year, then people should receive council tax exemption for a year.

“I have raised individual cases with the council and I will do so for anyone who contacts me.

“As the council will need to discuss each case individually, I would be more than happy to help people make their case for an exemption.

“There is also a Government-supported agency called Flood Re that can assist people who struggle to get insurance in flood risk areas.”

A council spokesman said: “We are already considering council tax exemptions for affected homes, as the regulations allow an exemption to be applied for up to 12 months in certain circumstances.

“Any council tax payer in this position will need to apply for what is called a Class A exemption. We will then arrange for a council tax inspector to visit the affected property to verify the exemption can be awarded.”

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