Flood recovery framework

Existing mechanisms to support flood recovery

There are a number of existing central mechanisms through which local councils can support communities impacted by floods:

• The Bellwin Scheme operates under Section 155(2) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This allows Scottish Ministers to make additional revenue support to local councils to assist with the immediate, and unforeseen costs in dealing with the aftermath of emergency incidents. It addresses revenue and uninsurable expenditure incurred within a two-month period from the date of an eligible incident (or such later date as agreed between us and the local authority)
• The Scottish Welfare Fund helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes through Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants. Under the Fund, local councils can provide Crisis Grants to people on low incomes who do not have access to any other appropriate source of financial support to meet expenses resulting from an emergency or disaster. This helps to avoid serious damage or serious risk to the health or safety of the applicant or their family
• The Council Tax system in Scotland provides for a 100% exemption from Council Tax for homes that not habitable or undergoing major repairs. This exemption lasts for up to 12 months
• Non-domestic rates Hardship Relief can be awarded to ratepayers by local councils if they are satisfied the ratepayer would be in financial difficulty without it