PEOPLE in Somerset affected by last winter's flooding should get a permanent reduction in council tax, Somerton and Frome MP David Heath has demanded in Parliament.

And the suggestion received a positive reply from Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles.

Speaking in the House of Commons today, Monday, March 16, told the House that many people who suffered from the flooding on the Somerset Levels last year received a welcome but temporary rebate on their council tax bill.

But, he points out, the record of flooding means that property values are likely to be affected, at least in the short term, and many are facing higher insurance premiums.

That should mean that the council tax banding for the properties should be reduced, he said, and he invited Mr Pickles to instruct the Valuation Office Agency to that effect.

Mr Pickles said that Mr Heath had raised an important point, and he encouraged householders who believe they had been affected to apply for a revaluation of their property in the light of changed circumstances.

Mr Heath said: “Ever since the floods made life so difficult at the beginning of last year, I have been trying to ensure that everything that can be done is in place to help families affected.

“We now have most of the elements on our shopping list in place; the dredging of the rivers, the locally managed Somerset Rivers Authority, new flood defences, new access to villages, and feasibility studies into building a barrage or sluice on the Parrett. But many are still disadvantaged financially.

"The help with council tax bills I asked for last year went some of the way, but I think the changes in value ought to be permanently recognised in council tax banding, something I was discussing with a couple from the area at my advice surgery in Langport only last weekend.

"The response from the Secretary of State was as clear as it could be - if you think you've suffered in terms of the value of your property, apply to the Valuation Office Agency for a revaluation.

“The worst that can happen is no change, but you could find yourself benefitting by hundreds of pounds, not just this year but not the future."