Your questions answered

Question: Have reports of flood damage in Hull exaggerated the true impact?

Answer: We estimate that the severe weather experienced by the city has caused about £200million worth of damage in Hull alone, affecting homes, schools, businesses and infrastructures.
It will take up to two years for the damage to be repaired and the city to recover.

Question: Will I have to pay my council tax if my home is unoccupied as a result of the recent floods?

Answer: If your property has been affected by the recent floods, and nobody is living at that address as a result, you are entitled to a Council Tax exemption whilst your property is unoccupied. This will be awarded if the property is furnished or unfurnished.
A comprehensive list of all addresses affected by the floods is being prepared. To help residents through this difficult period we will be awarding immediate exemptions in these areas, if the occupiers have had to vacate their home.
All affected residents should ring 300300 in the next two weeks to update us on the position regarding their accommodation.

Question: What help can I get from the council if my home has been flooded?

Answer: Our immediate priority over the next few weeks is to relieve any initial hardship for those with the greatest need. Our ‘Gold’ package will be available for those who have been left vulnerable as a result of the flooding for instance people with a disability, the elderly, or people on their own with very young children.
The comprehensive Gold package includes the initial cleaning of the property, assistance to replace essential ‘white goods’ (e.g. kettles, fridges), the provision of dehumidifier equipment and the removal and disposal of all flood damaged furniture and household goods.
There is also a silver and bronze package for those less affected by the floods. Anyone needing support should telephone 300300, so that their needs can be assessed quickly.

Question: Are rogue traders operating in the city since the flooding incident?

Answer: Sadly there are a few people who see the recent floods as an opportunity to target householders who are already in a desperate situation. Rogue traders, bogus officials and waste traders are targeting vulnerable householders who are urgently in need of property repairs and waste disposal services.

To help prevent being duped by rogue traders:

• Contact your insurance company to see if they have a recommended expert
• Obtain several quotes, preferably on letter-headed paper
• Use recommendations from family and friends
• Don’t allow traders, knocking on your door and touting for business, into your home
• Take the time to check the legitimacy of any business you ask to do repairs for you
• Ask all official representatives for their company identity badges. If in doubt contact their employers to verify they work for the organisation.
• If you are paying for your waste to be removed, and want to check the company is registered, contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506506.

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If you need any further information please call 300300.