RESIDENTS in New Cumnock who have been left with heft repair bills following the new year flooding can now claim £1,500 in grant funding from the council.

East Ayrshire Council has received a cut of the £12 million boost to support the recovery from the Scottish Government.

The funding will be used by local authorities to provide every household, business premises or charity directly affected by flood water with a grant of £1,500.

East Ayrshire Council has been allocated £500,000.

Local authorities which have suffered the most damage as a result of the flooding have been allocated a share of the fund, however, people in any part of Scotland who have suffered flood damage as a result of the severe weather can apply for a grant, with the Scottish Government meeting the cost.

In addition to flood relief support, businesses whose ability to trade has been severely affected by flooding will be able to apply for an additional grant of £3,000 funded by the Scottish Government and administered by the council.

East Ayrshire Council will now write to residents and businesses in the local communities affected by the recent flooding on Hogmanay, encouraging them to apply for grant aid in the aftermath of Storm Frank.

The grant is payable to businesses regardless of any existing business rates relief and is a one-off payment to offset costs which cannot be covered by existing insurance – such as clean-up costs, materials and exceptional costs to help the business restore trade, such as marketing and promotion.

Council Leader, Councillor Douglas Reid welcomed the funding announcement and said: “After the flooding in East Ayrshire, I wrote to the first Minister, detailing the human and financial impact of the storm on our local communities.

“This announcement is a positive development for our communities and I’d encourage all those who qualify for assistance to make an application.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Scottish Government is committed to providing the support needed to help individuals, business and communities to recover from the damage caused by this unprecedented severe weather with additional support of more than £12 million.

“With this new funding, every household and business premises that has seen flood water damage will be able to claim a grant of £1,500 from their Local Authority. They can use this to replace lost or damage items or to take steps to help flood proof their home.

“We know that the weather has also impacted on business – that is why any business who has had their ability to trade impacted by the flooding will also be able to claim a £3,000 grant.

“And we are making further funding available to help local authorities restore damage to infrastructure caused by the recent storms.

“In the face of devastation Scotland’s communities have rallied together and shown real strength. I have met with some local business owners who have made a real difference by offering vital support and once again I am amazed by the determination and dedication of all of our emergency services who are working around the clock to save homes and livelihoods.

“We do not yet have confirmation of consequentials coming from UK Government flood funds – however, now that the picture of those who need support is clearer, the Scottish Government is acting now to make sure that the people who need help get it.”

The Scottish Government has also indicated it may follow up on all successful grant applications to see what difference the money has made.

Households, businesses, community groups or charitable organisations in the local area, directly affected by the flooding, will all be eligible to apply for the funding which can be used to; reimburse the cost of not receiving council services paid for through Council Tax/Business Rates while absent from their homes, or while trading was disrupted, enable residents and businesses to install prevention measures against possible future floods.

An application form for the grant will be included in the Council’s correspondence, with details on eligibility criteria, an application guide and a dedicated contact point to help with further enquiries and assistance.

To claim, fill in the application form and return it to the Council at the address provided.