The Government is offering a lifeline to residents and businesses impacted by flooding during the recent Storm Henk, by providing financial aid via various grant schemes.

A £500 Community Recovery Grant is available for residents whose primary residences were impacted by the storm.

Residents must prove that their property experienced internal flooding or was uninhabitable for more than 48 hours.

An application can be submitted via email to floodingclaims@oxford.gov.uk, or through a call to the council's contact centre at 01865 249811 before 5pm on March 1.

Affected residents may also be eligible for a 100 per cent council tax discount for a minimum of three months.

The discount can be extended for residents unable to return to their homes, provided they meet the criteria for the recovery grant.

Oxfordshire County Council is handling the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme directed at those requiring assistance with property repairs.

Small and medium-sized enterprises can also get a share of support through a £2,500 Business Recovery Grant.

Those businesses fitting the criteria can apply before 5pm on March 8 by emailing floodclaims@oxford.gov.uk or by calling our Contact Centre at 01864 249811. 

Residents and businesses interested in learning more about these financial assistance programmes can find additional details on the council’s 'financial support for those affected by flooding' webpage.

Any party that believes they may qualify for support can contact the council for an application via email or phone call.

Councillor Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for citizen focused services and council companies said: "The extensive flood prevention efforts made by the Council and ODS last month undoubtedly ensured that many properties in the city were protected.

"Sadly, some properties did succumb to flooding and we are now working with those residents and businesses affected to ensure they are able to claim any financial help that they are entitled to.

"We are committed to providing support and assistance wherever we can."

The direct services team, ODS, helped to prevent widespread flooding, even amidst the extreme weather conditions.

Last week they deployed a flood barrier at Bullstake Close as a precautionary measure given the continuous rainfall.

Despite challenging circumstances in January, measures taken by the council meant that the number of properties which experienced flooding in this area was limited to 17.

Several organisations collaborated closely to lessen the blow, with the city council, Environment Agency and Oxfordshire County Council's Fire & Rescue and Highways teams lending a hand.

Temporary flood protection measures were placed at a few other locations including Osney Island and Vicarage Lane.