Business Flood Relief Fund for Storm Claudia Affected Businesses (UK)

The Business Flood Relief Fund launched by the Welsh Government provides up to £3,000 per business to support recovery for Monmouthshire businesses affected by internal flooding caused by Storm Claudia. The grant covers uninsured recovery, repair, replacement, and flood resilience costs to help small businesses and charities reopen and recover quickly.

The Welsh Government Business Flood Relief Fund has been activated to support businesses in Monmouthshire that suffered internal flood damage as a direct result of Storm Claudia. The fund is designed to ease immediate financial pressure by covering essential recovery costs that are not recoverable through insurance.

What Is the Business Flood Relief Fund?

The Business Flood Relief Fund is an emergency financial support mechanism aimed at helping businesses recover from extreme weather events. In this case, it responds specifically to Storm Claudia, which caused flooding and disruption across parts of Monmouthshire.

The fund focuses on:

• Rapid recovery

• Business continuity

• Increased flood resilience

How Much Funding Is Available?

Grant Amount

• Up to £3,000 per business

• Funding covers 75% of eligible costs

• The remaining 25% must be met by the applicant

Eligible Timeframe

• Costs already incurred after the date of the flood are eligible

• Costs not yet incurred but clearly linked to recovery are also eligible

There is no requirement that all costs be future expenses.

What Costs Can the Grant Cover?

Funding can be used for business-related recovery costs only, including:

• Refurbishment and repairs

• Drying and cleaning of premises

• Professional fees (e.g. surveyors, contractors)

• Replacement of damaged business equipment

• Flood resilience and mitigation measures

All supported costs must be directly linked to internal flooding caused by Storm Claudia.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

• Charitable organisations of equivalent size

Eligibility Conditions

Applicants must:

• Be located in Monmouthshire

• Have experienced internal flooding due to Storm Claudia

• Demonstrate that costs are not recoverable through insurance

• Submit one application per business and per property

What Is Not Covered?

The fund does not cover:

• Insurance excess fees

• Losses covered by insurance

• Residential lettings or landlord-related damage

• Personal or household costs

• Residential repair costs for home-based businesses

Only purely business-related expenses are eligible.

Why This Support Matters

Flooding can cause sudden, severe disruption to local businesses. This grant helps by:

• Reducing uninsured recovery costs

• Supporting faster reopening and continuity

• Encouraging investment in flood resilience

• Protecting local jobs and services

The fund plays a critical role in stabilising the local economy following extreme weather events.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm your business experienced internal flooding from Storm Claudia

2. Identify eligible recovery costs not covered by insurance

3. Gather required evidence (see below)

4. Submit one application per business and per property

Required Supporting Evidence

• Breakdown of estimated or actual affected costs

• Proof of business address dated within the last three months

• Photographic evidence of flood damage

Incomplete applications may be delayed or rejected.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Clearly link all costs to Storm Claudia flooding

• Exclude any insurance-covered expenses

• Provide clear photos showing internal flood damage

• Ensure documents are recent and legible

• Apply as soon as possible to support faster processing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including insurance excess or insured losses

• Submitting multiple applications for the same property

• Claiming residential or personal costs

• Failing to provide sufficient evidence of flooding

• Applying for non-business-related expenses

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding can a business receive?
Up to £3,000 per business.

2. What percentage of costs are covered?
The grant covers 75% of eligible costs.

3. Can I claim for costs already paid?
Yes, if they were incurred after the flood event.

4. Do I need insurance to apply?
No, but you must show that claimed costs are not recoverable through insurance.

5. Can home-based businesses apply?
Yes, but only for business-related costs, not household or residential repairs.

6. How many applications can I submit?
One application per business and one per property.

7. What type of flooding is required?
Only internal flooding directly linked to Storm Claudia is eligible.

Conclusion

The Business Flood Relief Fund for Storm Claudia provides vital, targeted support to Monmouthshire businesses facing uninsured recovery costs. By offering up to £3,000 for repairs, replacement, and resilience measures, the fund helps businesses recover faster, strengthen their premises, and restore local economic activity after flooding.