FLOODED homes and businesses can apply for cash and tax relief from the government as part of new relief measures.

Local government secretary Robert Jenrick announced on February 18 that flood-hit families and businesses can apply for up to £2,500 to help rebuild.

Under the new guidelines, flood-hit households in affected areas can apply for up to £500 in financial hardship payments as well as being eligible for 100 per cent council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.

Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas which have suffered severe, uninsurable losses will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant.

The communities secretary also announced the Government would convene the cross-Whitehall Flood Recovery Taskforce, including Environment, Businesses and Transport Ministers, to provide individual areas with bespoke support and guidance.

The first meeting will take place this week.

Local government secretary Robert Jenrick said: "Storms Dennis and Ciara have severely impacted a large number of households and businesses – and I recognise how destabilising this can be.

"This extra support, including new funding, will help people in the worst-hit areas to recover and get back on their feet as soon as possible.

"I’d like to thank the emergency services and key agencies on the ground for their dedication and tireless work to help everyone affected in extremely challenging circumstances."