Somerset CC has announced flood victims will be exempt from paying the county council part of their council tax until they have returned to their homes.

‘We recognise that local people affected by the flooding are struggling and under tremendous strain,' said Somerset leader Cllr John Osman.

‘We want to remove one of their financial worries b suspending their council tax charge while they are stranded or unable to live in their home,' he said.

He said some residents were being asked to pay council tax in their flooded homes and their temporary emergency accommodation.  ‘That can't be right and we are reacting quickly to reassure people,' Cllr Osman said.

Talks are ongoing between Somerset CC and its district councils to see if they could follow the county's lead and also suspend their share of council tax charges for flood victims.