Kirklees properties flooded in February 2020 could benefit from £5,000 grant

The grant aims to help homeowners reduce the risk and extent of flood damage in the future.

The grant, which is worth up to £5,000, can be used to put in place measures inside or outside the property that will reduce the risk of flooding.

Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees said: “Kirklees is on heightened alert for possible flooding, our teams will do everything they can to better protect properties, but in severe weather there is often little we can do to hold back the water from entering homes and businesses. This is why preventative measures are so important.”

“Whilst these works won’t always be able to completely remove the risk of flood damage, often small changes can make a big difference and investing now could save property owners significantly more in the future. In most cases we expect that the grant will cover the costs of the works recommended by the expert surveyor.”

To apply for the grant residents will need to submit an application, before hiring an approved surveyor to provide a report on what work needs to be done at their property.

The scheme is currently only open to residents and businesses affected by Storm Ciara/Dennis in February 2020. The council will be contacting properties that have previously received flood grants due to these storms.

Examples of the types of work that might be recommended are:

• Air brick covers, toilet pan seals, non-return valves

• Repointing existing external walls with water resistant mortar

• Replace gypsum plaster with water resistant material

• Sumps pumps, demountable door guards

• Moving electrics to above flood levels.