Homes and businesses in Lancashire struggling to recover from the recent flooding will be allowed to apply for special government funding.

Making the announcement yesterday, Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick, said people affected by Storms Ciara and Dennis will be offered thousands of pounds in support.

Under the Flood Recovery Framework, people in the recovery stage will receive the funding from their local councils.

Flood-hit households can apply for up to £500 in financial hardship payments, and 100 percent council tax relief for at least three months, to help them recover.

While small-medium sized businesses, which have suffered severe, uninsurable losses will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant, and 100 percent business rates relief for at least three months.

Additionally, in order to help make premises more resilient to future flooding, flood-hit homes and businesses can apply for up to £5,000 from the government.

The funding is subject to qualifying conditions, and only applies to those affected in district or unitary authorities that have 25 or more flooded households as a result of Storms Ciara and Dennis.

Mr Jenrick also announced the government would convene the cross-Whitehall Flood Recovery Taskforce, including environment, businesses and transport ministers, to provide individual areas with bespoke support and guidance.

He said: "This extra support, including new funding, will help people in the worst-hit areas to recover and get back on their feet as soon as possible.

"I’d like to thank the emergency services and key agencies for their dedication and tireless work to help everyone affected in extremely challenging circumstances."

Alongside this, under the emergency Bellwin scheme, which was activated in Lancashire on February 10, local authorities dealing with the flooding can apply to have 100 percent of their eligible costs, above a threshold, reimbursed by the government.

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: "We are currently working to assess the extent and potential cost of the damages caused by the recent storms.

"These costs must exceed a certain level before we would qualify to access funding under the Bellwin scheme, however we will consider an application if appropriate.

"Our highway teams are continuing to work to clear up and make repairs following the recent storms, including ensuring gullies and culverts are working in light of the new weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday.

"Our teams will be on standby overnight in case we need to respond to any problems."

With flood warnings still in place, the Environment Agency is urging people to check the latest safety advice as further heavy rain is expected to fall on areas already affected by the wet weather later this week.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/government/news or contact you local authority.