Increase in the grant funding threshold for the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme

Stormont Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced an increase in the grant funding threshold for the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) which was originally introduced in 2016.

Following a review, the grant threshold will increase from £10,000 to £13,700 to take into account inflationary increases. Improvements have also been made to the eligibility criteria to streamline the application process. 

The scheme Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme is specifically aimed at residential properties that have flooded internally in the past and continue to be exposed to frequent flooding.

Eligibility criteria has reduced the need to provide evidence of flooding from two events in 25 years to one event.

It has also removed the element whereby if a Flood Alleviation Scheme was proposed within the next five years then that went against the applicant.

The Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme is intended to modify homes to make them more resistant to flooding through measures such as flood doors, airbrick covers, and non-return valves to underground drains.

Commenting on the Scheme, Minister Kimmins said: “I am pleased to be able to implement this increase to the funding threshold for the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme. This will help the owners of vulnerable homes which have flooded in the past,  from the ever-increasing threat of flooding. As climate change continues to intensify this threat, these practical solutions to help mitigate the impact of flooding by preventing or reducing water damage.”

“One hundred and sixty five properties have been fitted out with these measures already. I hope this increase to the funding threshold and enhanced criteria can help boost flood resilience in more homes to bring comfort and reassurance to more eligible homeowners who  apply.

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“Adapting to climate is one of the Department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future. While we cannot prevent all flooding from happening, we can reduce the impacts with appropriate improvements and development. Schemes like this are a tangible way that my Department can deliver on that vision.”

The revised threshold is available for successful applicants who apply from April 2025.

Full details of the scheme are available at:  https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/homeowner-flood-protection-grant-scheme-application-pack .