DCLG has told letsrecycle.com it has made “over £100 million” available to councils in their ongoing effort to clean-up operations.
Regions including Cumbria, Lancashire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Greater Manchester and parts of Scotland have seen significant flooding since early December.
There have been some concerns that local authorities would have to foot a high landfill tax bill for disposing of the extra waste – with little being suitable for recycling (see letsrecycle.com story).
DCLG confirmed waste disposal costs will be covered under the new £47 million fund dubbed the Community and Business Scheme, providing authorities with an estimated £500 for each household affected by flooding.
The scheme is run by councils and allows them to provide target support on the same basis as when floods occurred in 2013 and 2014. The fund can be used for direct payments to householders and additional disposal costs for materials such as damaged furniture, carpets and sandbags.
Bellwin
In addition, government will also provide financial assistance via the Bellwin scheme, though this is reserved for activities such as removing debris from public spaces that presents a danger to the public.
A DCLG spokesman said: “We’re determined to stand squarely behind all of the communities and families affected by the devastating floods. The Government has made over £100 million available to local councils, as part of a streamlined approach to ensure households and businesses get the support they need as quickly as possible.
“Councils facing clean-up costs can be confident they will be supported through the extension of the Bellwin Scheme.”
More heavy rain hit parts of England overnight with the Environment Agency urging communities to be vigilant.
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