York council leader accuses MP of 'ignorance' over flood help

The Labour MP claimed residents with flooded properties were being told they would only receive a three month exemption on their council tax and called on the Conservative-Lib Dem run authority to do more.

But council leader Chris Steward insisted the authority had made clear it would extend the exemption if people were still out of their homes

Ms Maskell said York Council’s policy contradicted a Government promise that people forced to leave their homes would not have to pay council tax on the flooded property.

The York MP also claimed families put in temporary accommodation bigger than their flooded home were being asked to pay higher council tax bills as a result.

She said: “The Government have made it clear that individuals and business owners should be exempt from council tax and business rates whilst their homes and businesses are unable to trade. Funding is available through the Bellwin Scheme. “I am at a loss to understand why the council are only announcing that they are waiving bills for three months when it is evident that some properties will take much longer to bring back in to use, and this has been confirmed by their insurance companies.

“I want people to receive as much help as possible and I have written to the council about this.”

Responding, Coun Steward accused the MP of “showing her ignorance and needlessly worrying residents”.

He said: “City of York Council’s council rax relief offers a minimum three months exemption, and anyone not back in their homes after three months will continue to get relief. The same provision applies to flooded commercial premises where business has been adversely affected.

“Customers who have been rehomed in alternative accommodation due to their home being flooded and who usually pay council tax – providing they are not living in their second home – are again exempt for a minimum three months which will continue if they are unable to move back.”

Calderdale Council has announced it is launching a cross-party commission to look at the causes of the flooding over the Christmas period, the impact on the district and the response.

Council leader Tim Swift said: “There are very few parts of Calderdale which were unaffected by the devastating floods. Since Boxing Day I have heard many stories of the distressing and challenging circumstances that local people and businesses are now finding themselves in.

“It’s vital for the future of our towns that we do everything we can to gain a proper understanding of what can be done to reduce, prevent and mitigate any future flooding.”

It emerged earlier this week that Calderdale Council is facing a bill of more than £20 million to repair damage to infrastructure caused by the flooding.