Following a lot of criticism of its leadership during the recent floods, the City of York Council is now co-ordinating support for residents directly affected by the flooding and who are assessing any damage to their homes and any repairs necessary. This includes:

Waste collections
Waste collections in areas affected by the flooding are back to normal. Anyone with home and or contents insurance should seek advice from and get permission from their insurers before removing any items. While most flood-damaged waste has been removed, anyone needing help after loss adjusters have visited should call 01904 551551.

Council tax
There are no automatic reductions in council tax or business rates for residential or business properties damaged specifically by flood water. However people whose property is no longer habitable and require major repairs, or businesses unable to operate due to extensive flooding may be eligible for temporary relief, subject to inspections and loss adjusters’ reports for business. Residents should inform the council tax billing team and ask about their eligibility via 01904 551558 or email council.tax@york.gov.uk while businesses should contact the business rates team on 01904 551104 or email business.rates@york.gov.uk .

Benefits advice
Did you know that every year thousands of people in York lose out on extra income – and that could include those affected by the flooding? Up to one in three people miss out because they do not claim allowances or benefits, discounts or exemptions. City of York Council’s Benefits Advisers are here to help you check if you’re entitled and help you to apply. You can contact us on 01904 552233 or 552252 between 08:30 am and 5:00pm.

Reputable tradespeople
Households are advised to seek quotes for repair work from reputable companies. Older and vulnerable residents can use a directory of trades people who have undergone an assessment procedure. The list is compiled by Age UK York and is available through the charity or online via www.york.gov.uk/advice/Trading_standards/fairtrading/HSD/
Meanwhile anyone who believes they may have been approached by a rogue trader or pressurised to buy something they don’t want should contact the Citizens Advice Bureau helpline on 0845 4040 506.

Help for employees of printing industries

The Printing Charity, a national charity for the printing, publishing, graphic arts and allied trades, is offering modest cash grants to help print workers and their families affected by the recent floods. They are available for people who work or have worked for three years in any capacity in any organisation that produces a printed output. This includes printing, publishing, operating presses, driving, cleaning, advertising, photography, and graphic arts through to making ink and recycling paper. Applicants should contact Henry Smith, Grants Officer at The Printing Charity on 01293 542 820 or email henry@theprintingcharity.org.uk