Flood victims offered a £250 lifeline (From Witney Gazette)

Flood victims offered a £250 lifeline

7:57pm Friday 24th August 2007 in Witney

Hardship payments of £250 will be given to residents worst hit by last month's flood.

West Oxfordshire District Council approved the handout, which will be given to an estimated 1,655 households.

The money comes from a Government fund which was topped up yesterday.

The total payments so far given to local councils are: West Oxfordshire £623,500, Oxford City £60,000, Vale of White Horse £250,000 and Cherwell £23,000.

Oxford City Council has not yet decided how to use the money.

Michael Lawrence, strategic director for housing, health and community, said: "When the final costs have been collated we will be reporting to council members on the overall impact on the council budget."

The lion's share went to West Oxfordshire, where floodwater inundated by far the greatest number of homes.

The bulk of this money will go to householders.

Simon Hoare, cabinet member for resources, said: "As a council we are committed to help flood victims quickly and simply.

"The cabinet has decided that a fixed sum of £250 be made available for every household that was affected."

Anyone whose home was flooded should complete an application form. These can be obtained from the council's website or by calling 01993 861000.

The council will keep £186,000 for discretionary allocation to help those who experienced particular hardship.