'FLOOD AID WASH OUT'

Red tape, cost & delays keep storm damage grant from réaching needy

- NADA FARHOUD

THOUSANDS of flood victims are missing out on government support to protect their homes from future storms, experts warn.

Data obtained by climate education charity One Home, via a Freedom of Information request, shows the £5,000 Property Flood Resilience grant scheme is not reaching those in need.

Introduced in 2013, the PFR can fund improvements to make properties more resilient, including the installation of tiled flooring, plastic skirting boards and plinths, and raising electrical points.

But environmental scientist and One Home chief executive Angela Terry said: "The PFR grant scheme is not supporting flood victims in their most desperate time.