Environment Minister issues emergency £1k payments to help make flooded homes habitable

The payment, which can be claimed from the council, is to help those whose homes suffered damage from heavy rainfall, become habitable as quickly as possible.

Mark H Durkan said: “Following recent incidents of flooding, individual householders who have suffered severe inconvenience can claim £1,000 payment from their local council, as an offer of practical assistance. 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 promptly.

“My department will reimburse councils for the payments to individual householders, and for the direct and indirect costs of providing practical assistance and advice.

“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,” he added.

“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. I would also urge people to keep an eye out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours and check that they are ok.”