Payments of £1500 to people affected by recent flooding are now being made.

Payments of £1500 to people affected by recent flooding are now being made.

Over 300 households and businesses across Aberdeenshire have registered for the Scottish Government Relief Fund since it was announced last week.

Aberdeenshire Council is administering the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. It is one of a range of initiatives that have been announced to support individuals and communities during the recovery period.

Those people who have registered are now receiving application forms which need to be completed and submitted, including photographic and/or documentary evidence of the flooding. Anyone who has not yet registered is being encouraged to do so.

Chief Executive Jim Savege explains: ““We have seen a fantastic effort over the past few weeks, with communities coming together to support those whose homes and businesses have been devastated by the floods right across Aberdeenshire.

“Our aim is to process the claims as quickly as possible so the money can be put to good use. We have already received 300 registrations, but we believe there are more people and businesses who are eligible so I would encourage them to register at floodrelief@aberdeenshire.gov.uk as soon as possible.”

The grants are available to households, businesses or community groups (such as rugby clubs) to reimburse the costs of not receiving the usual council services as a result of being out of the home; had trading disrupted; and to enable householders and businesses to protect their home or business against future floods.

Only those households and businesses which were directly affected by the flooding during the period 4 – 6 Dec 2015, 29-31 December 2015 and 6-8 January 2016 are eligible to apply for the grant.

Additional grant support of £3,000 is also available to businesses which can demonstrate that their ability to trade has been severely impacted by the flooding at the beginning of January. The grant will be a one-off payment to offset costs which cannot be covered by existing insurance, for example clean-up costs, materials and exceptional costs to help the business restore trade, such as marketing and promotion.

Anyone who wishes to apply should register by emailing floodrelief@aberdeenshire.gov.uk including full name and/or business name, postal address and daytime contact number.