Here are the current messages from Suffolk County Council on the ongoing response to Storm Babet. 

1. Reporting Flood Damage to properties or businesses

Residents or businesses who have experienced flood related damage are being asked to report this online via the Highways Reporting Tool, available on our website here: www.suffolk.gov.uk/ReportFlood.

How to use the Reporting Tool:

Click on Report It, then click Drainage and Flooding and select the most appropriate drop-down option. Please include as much information as you have, there is also an option to upload photos.

What if I can't report online?

A family member/friend could report online on your behalf, or if you do not have access to the internet, you should call the SCC customer service number: 0345 606 6171.

2. Government Support.

On 25th October, the Government announced funding to help communities recover from the impact of Storm Babet.

• Flooded households in affected areas can apply for up to £500 to give cash quickly to help with immediate costs. 
• Households and businesses significantly affected by recent flooding will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.
• Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual. 
• Eligible flood-hit property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme. 

Eligibility

The support will be made available through a scheme known as the Flood Recovery Framework,

Suffolk County Council are still awaiting all the details from Government and will share more once we have it. In the meantime, it is essential that if you, or your business, suffered significant flood related damage, you report this online via the Highways Reporting Tool on www.suffolk.gov.uk/ReportFlood

You can read more on the GOV.uk website.  

www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-support-for-flood-hit-areas

3. Highways Repairs and clean-up.

Suffolk Highways continues to respond as quickly as possible to damage caused to the highways from Storm Babet, and have already dealt with:

• 172 emergency reports,
• pumped away 2.5 million litres of water,
• cleared 53 tonnes of debris,
• removed 19 fallen trees.

Residents are encouraged to report any issues with the roads online via the Highways Reporting Tool – http://highwaysreporting.suffolk.gov.uk/

Do not report a highways problem online if:

• it poses an immediate danger to public safety - call 0345 606 6171.
• it’s on a trunk road in Suffolk - call the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000

More information about Storm Babet is available on the Suffolk County Council website: www.suffolk.gov.uk/stormbabet