Victims of the flooding caused by Storm Dennis are set to receive financial help from Welsh Government.

Victims are now able to access Welsh Government’s £10m emergency fund, with an initial payment being received within 24 hours.

All affected households will receive £500, with a further £500 available for uninsured households.

The money comes in addition to any other financial support victims may be receiving, including the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund.

The UK Government has said that any financial help given to people affected by the floods will not affect their eligibility for benefits issued by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Last week, Caerphilly County Borough Council announced that residents affected by Storm Dennis will receive £500, while businesses will receive £1,000.

The council says it is aware of 110 properties and 15 businesses affected by the flooding.

Argoed, Bedwas, Blackwood, Crosskeys, Llanbradach, Machen, Newbridge, Risca and Ystrad Mynach are among the places affected by the flooding.

Caerphilly AM Hefin David said: “This support is crucial in helping those who have been affected by the floods over the last few weeks.

“The money will be available quickly and hopefully this will go a little way towards alleviating some of the stress and anxiety being experienced by families across Wales.

“I’ve spoken to lots of people on an individual basis and anyone affected in the constituency is welcome to get in touch.”

First minister Mark Drakeford said: “We want to do all we can to help them at this extremely stressful time. I also saw the extreme pressure people are under if they didn’t have insurance cover or if their insurance policies do not cover flooding. To help those people, we are providing additional money to those not covered by house insurance.”

“The Welsh Government has set up a £10m emergency fund to help with the immediate aftermath of the floods, but the cost of infrastructure damage and the investment needed to address the climate emergency go far beyond this.

“The UK Government also has a role in responding to these floods and a responsibility to the people of Wales. After a week of silence in the face of this emergency, we urgently need to hear what longer-term support communities can expect from the UK Government.”  

To receive the funding, residents need to contact the council, which will apply on their behalf.

For more information about how to claim, visit https://gov.wales/february-floods-financial-help-households/