July 2007 Flood

Red Cross Flood Relief Hardship Scheme

What is Red Cross Flood Relief Hardship Scheme?

The principal aim of the scheme is to assist those people left most vulnerable as a result of the floods in Oxfordshire in July 2007.

The scheme is targeting those in greatest need - particularly the elderly, disabled, people on low incomes or state benefits and lone parents.

The money will go to people still suffering from the aftermath of flood water, irrespective of whether or not they have already claimed a flood recovery or additional hardship grant from their council.

The grant will provide support and assistance, including:

• Assistance with increased electricity/gas bills incurred by drying out
• Additional costs associated with living in temporary accommodation
• Costs incurred in bringing a home up to habitable standard inlcuding restoring power/heating
• Survey costs incurred by household but not paid by insurance.

The fund will not be used in any way to provide support which any of the Councils are statutorily required to provide, nor will it cover any insured loss of the applicant.

Am I eligible for a Red Cross grant?

Specific criteria has been agreed for those who have suffered uninsured loss and who:

• are in receipt of income support, income based job seekers allowance, pension credit or disability living allowance or some other state benefits
• are in a vulnerable group - disabled, elderly, single parents with young children
• have suffered loss that has not been covered from other funding (e.g. flood recovery grant or insurance).
• have been forced out of their homes and need assistance to get them back in (subject to points 1 and 2 above).

How do I apply for a Red Cross grant?

If you meet the criteria above, please complete the grant application form below:

And return it to:

If you have any queries about this form please call 01993 861000 or visit the Flood Relief pages of the West Oxfordshire District Council website.

Clean up advice

Further advice about the clean up operation can be found on the following pages:

• Clearing Up Households
• Clearing Up Businesses

Page last reviewed 22 Nov 2007