A significant number of homes and businesses in Chesterfield were affected by flooding in October 2023.
Government support for flood-hit areas
The Government provided support for communities impacted by flooding as a result of Storm Babet through the Flood Recovery Framework.
In line with Government guidance applications to the recovery grants have now closed. If you have any queries about the scheme, please call our customer services team on 01246 345345.
Residents were entitled to receive a 100% Council Tax discount for a minimum of three months and Community Recovery Grant worth up to £500.
Businesses were entitled to receive a 100% Business Rates discount for a minimum of three months and a Business Recovery Grant worth up to £2,500.
Requirements for Business Recovery Grants
We had to strictly adhere to the rules set out by central Government when assessing applications for Business Recovery Grants. The Government’s eligibility criteria is designed to ensure maximum benefit from the available funds, and unfortunately any business that does not satisfy all criteria could not receive support under the scheme.
If businesses could not provide evidence that they had flood insurance, or evidence that they were declined for flood insurance on at least one occasion since 1 January 2023, they were not eligible for the grant under the Government’s rules.
Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme
In addition to the support above, eligible flood-hit property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme. This is being administrated for Chesterfield by Derbyshire County Council, further details can be found on the Derbyshire County Council website.
Flood cover and home insurance
A high likelihood of flooding can lead to higher insurance premiums or refusal of cover.
Flood Re is a joint initiative between the government and insurers. It aims to make the flood cover part of insurance policies more affordable for homes and businesses that have been flooded or are at a higher risk of flooding. Flood Re is not available for businesses or homes built after 2008.
Partner agencies offering support and advice
Other partner agencies can offer support and advice and a summary of this is listed below.
Derbyshire Law Centre provides free advice on all debt, specialising in housing and homelessness, housing-related debt (e.g. rent and mortgage arrears) and employment. Contact them by phone on 01246 550674 / 0800 707 6990, or find out more on the Derbyshire Law Centre website.
Citizens Advice North East Derbyshire offer general advice and specialist debt advice, open 9am - 2pm Monday to Friday, contact them by phone on 0808 250 5702 and find out more on the Citizens Advice North East Derbyshire website.
Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre offer independent advice and supporting in applying for benefits. Call the helpline on 01246 231441 or find out more on the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre website.
East Midlands Chamber offer independent advice and support to businesses whether they are a Chamber member or not. Call the team on 0333 320 0333.
Mental health and wellbeing
It is completely normal to experience tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety after a traumatic experience like flooding. If you need support with your mental health:
- Speak to your friends and family or your doctor.
- Call the Derbyshire Mental Health Support Line on 0800 028 0077 (24 hours per day, 7 days per week)
- Contact the Samaritans to talk to a trained volunteer anonymously, confidential support 24 hours a day – call 116 123.