HAMPSHIRE residents who have been affected by flooding can now apply for grants up to £5,000 to help make properties more flood-resilient in the future.

The Government’s ‘Repair and Renew’ Grant has been launched for residents whose properties were affected by flooding between December 1, 2013 and March 31.

Businesses and charitable organisations are also eligible to claim from the pot of cash if their day-to-day business was affected by their premises being flooded.

Repairs to property should be covered by insurance, and the “Repair and Renew” grant is to fund measures to make properties more resilient to the effects of flooding in the future.

The grant application form sets out what measures are eligible for funding – it includes altering floors and moving electrics, waterproofing external walls and installing a garage or driveway barrier.

Applications can be made to district, borough and city councils, and people considering an application are advised to check the National Flood Forum’s Property Protection Advisor to see what measures could be added to properties.

Residents can choose to commission a professional survey before making an application and up to £500 can be claimed back as part of the grant.

Once funding has been received, residents are urged to use reputable tradespeople for surveys and quotes.

People are advised to obtain at least three written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who are either members of the Hampshire County Council Trading Standards “Buy With Confidence” scheme or a recognised trade association.

Details can be obtained by calling 01962 833620, emailing or via the website buywithconfidence.gov.uk