As extreme weather events escalate, the compensation scheme for flood victims in England faces intense scrutiny, with reports revealing that nearly 80% of businesses in some areas have been denied essential support.
The recent heavy rains that wreaked havoc across England and Wales have highlighted the inconsistencies and challenges within the government’s Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme.
In Calderdale, West Yorkshire, which has experienced repeated flooding, only 17% of businesses received aid following Storm Ciara in 2020.
This alarming statistic is indicative of a broader trend, with data from Greenpeace’s Unearthed unit showing an average success rate of just 72% for PFR applicants nationwide in 2020.
Areas like Tunbridge Wells saw full approval rates, while regions such as Telford and Wrekin struggled, with only half of applicants receiving support.
Residents voice frustration as complex rules hinder access to crucial flood recovery funds.Critics argue that the PFR scheme is plagued by complex rules that create an “opaque” and inconsistent experience for applicants. Tracey Garrett, CEO of the National Flood Forum, emphasizes the urgent need for clear governance around the scheme to ensure that affected individuals understand how to access funds.
Residents like Lynn Shortt, whose home in Attleborough suffered severe damage, echo these concerns. Despite applying for assistance, she received no help after facing devastating floods in both 2020 and 2021.
The emotional toll is compounded by financial strains, as Shortt and her husband spent their savings on repairs.
In light of these challenges, a Defra spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to flood resilience and announced the formation of a flood resilience task force.
However, the need for an urgent reform of the compensation process is clear, as communities face increasing flood risks driven by climate change.