Flood-hit residents and businesses in Halstead could be eligible for hundreds of pounds in refunded council tax.

Houses and businesses which have been empty since floods devastated the centre of Halstead could be eligible for a refund in council tax and business rates backdated to Sunday, October 21.

Chris McCloud, exchequer manager of Braintree Council, urged residents to get in touch with Braintree Council if they feel they have grounds for a refund.

Mr McCloud said: "The law allows for council tax to be refunded if a property is empty and termed uninhabitable and therefore exempt from council tax."

He added for a building to be classified uninhabitable it would have to be "substantially unfurnished" or "structurally unsound".

Mr McCloud said: "If people talk to us we will give advice as best we can. If we think they have a claim they may then be visited by a revenues inspector."

There is no minimum claim for a council tax refund but for homes there is a maximum time limit of six months.

Many homes, including some in Chapel Street, Halstead, have been empty since the floods while industrial fans slowly dry out moisture in the walls. Many residents are without carpets and furniture, waiting for insurance claims to move through the system.

Businesses could find they are eligible for a business rate refund if their premises are vacated except for permanent fixtures and heavy machinery.

Michael Gage, Halstead Residents' Association councillor for Halstead St Andrew's, urged people hit by flooding to contact Braintree Council.

But he slammed Braintree Council for not telling people they may be in line for a refund.

Mr Gage said: "I feel the council should have used their council page in the local papers to outline the point to individual residents."

If your property was hit by flooding and remains empty and you would like to talk about a council tax refund contact Braintree Council on 01376 557847.

Published Monday December 17, 2001