RESIDENTS have until October to apply for a council tax discount following flooding.

Councillors will discuss the scheme to help residents whose homes were flooded out by the exceptional rainfall last month at Cabinet on Wednesday August 20.

In a statement Castle Point Council said cabinet is “set to approve” the council tax refunds.

The scheme will a give a discount of up to three months relief from council tax on homes affected by the severe flooding which devastated parts of the borough.

It is estimated that as many as 500 homes were affected by the floods.

Residents will be asked to confirm in writing that they meet the criteria for a discount and may be asked to supply photos, a survey report letters from insurers and estimates for work required to support their application.

Colin Riley, council leader, said “For some residents this is the second time in less than a year that their homes have been devastated by flood water.

“The Council wants to do what it can to help residents to recover from this. Hopefully this discount will help the recovery."