Victims' fury as flood cash stays unclaimed

The admission by Sheffield Council has led to criticism of the authority for initially stating payments would be prioritised towards people who “had been left with nothing” rather than those with insurance.

Flood victims and opposition councillors say this put people off making applications for a share of the 600,000, which was given by the Government and is being paid out through South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Relief Fund.

Sheffield Council has now stated that most flood victims are entitled to 100 through the fund.

Barbara Parkin, of Falding Street, Chapeltown, whose home was twice flooded on June 25 and June 15, said: “When myself and other residents went to the council’s First Point offices, we were asked whether we had insurance and, when we answered yes, we were told we would probably not get anything.

“This put us off making applications; it shouldn’t have been so misleading.”

The alarming lack of applications has led to Sheffield Council posting forms to flooded households urging them to make a claim.

South Yorkshire Community Foundation, which is running the disaster relief fund, is giving grants to:

n Individuals or families whose homes have significant structural damage or flooding

n Individuals or families over 70 years of age

n Families with children under 5 years of age.

All qualifying households are guaranteed a 100 payment, with extra help prioritised for elderly people, families with young children, people with physical or mental disabilities and those on low incomes.