Storm Dennis hit Herefordshire during the weekend of 15 and 16 February 2020, resulting in significant damage and flooding, from both runoff and river overspill with many of the rivers reaching their highest levels in 200 years.
A major incident was declared on 16 February meaning there was a danger to life as water levels peaked at record levels during the storm and remained high for an extended period after the storm. In total, 741 premises, comprising 527 residential properties and 214 businesses, were affected.
Where properties were flooded internally or their residence was considered unliveable for any period of time due to flooding, residents were eligible to receive government grants to the value of £500 (from the Community Recovery Grant).
Furthermore, small / medium sized enterprises that were directly impacted or suffered losses of as a result of the flooding that could not be recovered from insurance were eligible to receive government grants to the value of up to £2,500 (from the Business Recovery Grant).
Authorities that reported a minimum of 25 properties being flooded internally are eligible for and invited to sign up for the PFRRSS. This scheme is managed by Defra and makes further grants of £5,000 available to property owners whose properties flooded internally in February 2020. The purpose of the grant is not to cover the cost of repairs but to implement measures which will improve resilience against further flooding.
Herefordshire Council will invite and determine grants on behalf of Defra in accordance with published guidance issued April 2020.
The scheme will run until end August 2021