11 January 2016

Flood hit communities across Scotland will receive an extra £12 million.

The First Minister made the announcement on a visit to Aberdeenshire on Saturday to meet with people affected by floods, local business owners who offered support in the community and emergency responders.

The funding will be used by Local Authorities to provide every household, business premises or charity directly affected by flood water with a grant of £1,500.

FM confirms extra £12m for flooding help across Scotland while in @Aberdeenshire today pic.twitter.com/vVzWxKPeAL

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) January 9, 2016

The First Minister said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to providing the support needed to help individuals, business and communities to recover from the damage caused by this unprecedented severe weather with additional support of more than £12 million.

“With this new funding, every household and business premises that has seen flood water damage will be able to claim a grant of £1,500 from their Local Authority. They can use this to replace lost or damage items or to take steps to help flood proof their home.

“We know that the weather has also impacted on business – that is why any business who has had their ability to trade impacted by the flooding will also be able to claim a £3,000 grant.

“And we are making further funding available to help local authorities restore damage to infrastructure caused by the recent storms.

“In the face of devastation Scotland’s communities have rallied together and shown real strength. I have met with some local business owners who have made a real difference by offering vital support and once again I am amazed by the determination and dedication of all of our emergency services who are working around the clock to save homes and livelihoods.”

For information on how to access funding, property owners should contact their relevant local authority.

Inverurie & Port Elphinstone families starting the clear up after flooding @Aberdeenshire @scotgov on site helping pic.twitter.com/4YDTT4i8cB

— Jim Savege (@jimsavege) January 9, 2016

Local Authorities which have suffered the most damage as a result of the flooding have been allocated a share of the fund, however, people in any part of Scotland who have suffered flood damage as a result of the severe weather can apply for a grant, with Scottish Government meeting the cost.

In addition to flood relief support, businesses whose ability to trade has been severely affected by flooding will be able to apply for an additional grant of £3,000 funded by the Scottish Government and administered by their Local Authority.