The scheme, approved by the Department of Finance and Personnel, provides assistance to householders, who have suffered severe inconvenience, as a result of heavy rainfall. This means that a Scheme, to provide financial help, has and will operate from June 2012, through the winter months, to March 2013.
Mr Attwood said: "Having this scheme in place gives assurance to individual householders and councils that may be affected by flooding due to heavy rainfall. If a householder can show that they have suffered severe inconvenience as a result of flooding, they may be eligible to receive a payment of £1,000.
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"Detailed guidance on the operation of the scheme has been issued to all 26 councils so if your home is flooded during the next few months and you feel that you may be entitled to the payment, contact your council as soon as possible. They will arrange for an urgent inspection of your property and if they decide that your claim is eligible, you will receive your payment within a matter of days.
"In addition, your council can also offer a range of practical help and guidance, including collection, retention and disposal of damaged household contents and assistance with arrangements to clean up your home and garden.
"I and my Executive colleagues want to continue to help those most severely affected by flooding to get back to normal as quickly as possible and to assist them in ensuring their homes are habitable. 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. This is why I have put this scheme in place to assist councils to be prepared to react quickly to any flooding incidents. I would also urge people to keep an eye out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours."
(CD/GK)
