Isle of Wight residents directly affected by devastating flooding are able to apply for financial help from this morning (Wednesday).

The Isle of Wight Council is administering a package of Government funding, including a Community Recovery Grant of £500 per household to help with immediate costs.

Community Recovery Grant

The grant is available to primary homes that have suffered internal flood damage, or for people who were not able to live in their property, as a direct result of Storm Babet between October 19 and 25.

Second homes and empty properties are not eligible.

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Business Recovery Grant

Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas are eligible for up to £2,500 to help them return quickly to business as usual. 

Businesses eligible to apply include those which experienced flooding to their business premises and or those which experienced restricted access to their premises as a result of the flood, and which experienced a loss of trade as a result.

Storage facilities are not eligible.

Council Tax Discount and Business Rate Relief Schemes

Flooded households may also be eligible for a 100 per cent council tax discount for a minimum of three months — this means affected residents will not have to pay council tax during this period.

After three months, if residents have not been able to return home, they may not have to pay council tax until they move back to their home. The Government scheme does not apply to empty homes, second homes or student accommodation.

Businesses that have not been able to operate due to flooding at their premises may be eligible for 100 per cent Business Rates Relief for a minimum of three months.

Here's how to apply for Government funding for flooding

To apply for flood relief support, you can complete an application, HERE. 

The website will go live at 8am on Wednesday.

Please give as much information as possible when applying. Upload any supporting evidence like photographs of the damage with the application form. The council said it may also need to visit the property.

If you need any further information or help with an application, please contact the council at iwcfloodrecovery@iow.gov.uk or call 01983 823111.

The Ryde Help Centre in Ryde Library will also be open tomorrow from 10.30am until 7.30pm (it will be closed between 2.30pm-3.30pm) to help people complete their applications. Appointments can also be made at Newport Help Centre at County Hall by calling the number above.

Cllr Phil Jordan, council leader, said: "Just one of the ways that we are now helping people to restore their homes is by administering this support package which will help with immediate costs.

"We have been working hard to support the affected communities over the past two weeks and will continue to lead on the community recovery effort."