LOCAL businesses who were severely affected by the flooding in late October and early November could receive up to £100,000 to help them recover. The funding is part of the £15 million package announced by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris in the aftermath of the devastating flooding. The latest details were announced just before Christmas. It follows on from the initial support announced back in November, which included a £7,500 one-off grant for flooded businesses.
A spokesperson for the Executive Office said: “Since the Secretary of State announced that up to £15 million would be made available to fund a response to the flooding, eligible businesses impacted by flooding have received a £7,500 grant and will receive 100% rates relief up to 31 March 2024 for flooded properties and temporary accommodation. “We have been working closely with the local councils in the affected districts to develop a proposal to support the businesses which were most severely affected. “We want to provide support that will help businesses to re-open and resume trading or remain open and continue trading, and to help secure the economic future of the town centres affected by the flooding.” Up to £10 million is now being made available which will be targeted at assisting small and medium sized businesses. The support will be linked to the actual costs incurred by businesses in relation to the replacement of damaged or destroyed equipment, refitting of flooded property and repair of damage to buildings. Up to £100,000 per business would be available. In order to qualify for this support, businesses must have been open and trading on the date of the flooding, either unable to obtain insurance cover against flooding through no fault of their own or their insurance company has subsequently refused to pay out on damage caused by the recent flooding and the business must continue trading, or resume trading, in the same town centre. The funding will be administered by district councils on behalf of the Northern Ireland Civil Service The Executive Office has also said that further information on how to apply for the support will be available in early January. South Down MP Chris Hazzard said this latest announcement of funding support “will hopefully bring relief to many local businesses who have been struggling to recover” from the devastating floods.
Mr Hazzard added he has received confirmation that businesses previously excluded from flood support will be eligible to apply in this next phase of funding. “I welcome confirmation that the next phase of funding to support businesses impacted by flooding will be flexible and open to many businesses who were previously excluded,” added the local MP. “Over recent weeks, I have been working with businesses and officials to find a solution which ensures they receive support, and it’s positive now that progress has been made.” He added that it is expected the scheme will be open for applications next Monday (8 January) and he is urging local businesses to apply. “I have also asked that as this scheme is rolled out in the new year, those residents whose homes have been destroyed are not left behind and additional financial support is made available as soon as possible,” the MP stated. South Down MLA Patrick Brown said many businesses in Downpatrick are still struggling to recover from the flooding and he also welcomed this latest support for them. He added that it closely resembles Alliance proposals for how the funding should be allocated, “specifically a grant fund of up to £100k, based on the need for those worst impacted by flooding”. The local Assembly member continued: “There remains a number of important questions we are seeking clarity on, and this includes whether stock and loss of revenue can be included in calculations (early indications are that only equipment, fixtures/fittings and cleaning/relocation costs will be covered), and also how we can ensure businesses excluded from the £7.5k grant are included due to the stringent criteria. “Charities such as Down Railway and Pop Up Art did not receive the £7.5k grant, despite experiencing huge damage. “Businesses with insurance policies were also refused the £7.5k grant, despite many insurance companies refusing to pay out.” Mr Brown said the most recent funding announcement, just before Christmas, “will give businesses much more clarity as to how to proceed and recover in 2024”.
