Lenders urged to assist flood victims

Citizens Advice has urged mortgage lenders to offer all the help they can to people disadvantaged by the recent floods in central and southern England.

The charity called on lenders to give borrowers a payment break and also urged councils to offer a tax rebate covering any period when a property has been uninhabitable.

Housing associations and private landlords can also play a part by not charging rent or paying for alternative accommodation while people cannot use their homes, Citizens Advice said.

The group asked lenders to show patience if borrowers get into arrears following the impact that the floods have had on people's finances.

Ruth Bamford, head of housing for Citizens Advice, said: "Even though the water levels have subsided people are faced with the prospect of heavy repair bills or the fact that they won't be able to return to their homes for many months.

"As a result people need to know what rights they have in this situation and whether they are liable to pay rent, mortgage or council tax on a property that they cannot effectively live in."

The charity group has published a factsheet informing people affected by the floods of their rights in the current situation.

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