Financial help for flood affected residents and businesses

Council Tax relief for households

If you've been forced to move out of your home because of flooding, you will not have to pay Council Tax for the period you are not there.

When you're back in your property please ring the Council on 0300 303 0420. They will take your name, address and when you left and returned to your property, alternatively you can email:

council.tax@rochdale.gov.uk

Once verified your Council Tax bill will be adjusted and confirmation of this will be sent to you in writing.

£500 hardship grant for households

If your property has been affected by flooding you are eligible for a one-off payment of £500 from the council to help with recovery costs like temporary accommodation.

If you pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit you don't need to do anything to claim this payment – it will be paid directly into your bank account and it will show as a payment from Rochdale Borough Council. You will also get confirmation by post.

If you consider yourself eligible and have not received your payment by 4 January 2016, please ring the Council 0300 303 0420.

If you think you're eligible but don't pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit, the Council will try to make contact with you or you can ring on 0300 303 8875 so you can be helped to apply.

Once verified you're eligible, you will be sent a cheque.

Business rate relief for flood affected premises

Businesses that have been forced to close because of the floods will not be required to pay Business Rates for the period they are not trading.

To make a claim ring call the Council on 0300 303 0420 as soon as you're trading again. The Council will need to know your business name and address, as well as when you left and returned.

Once verified, your Business Rates account will be adjusted and the Council will write to you with details of the adjustment.

The Council is continuing to look to support local businesses and is in ongoing discussions with the government around further help that can be provided. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.