Perth and Kinross Council chiefs have asked for “flexibility” in the process to decide which residents and businesses qualify for flood cash.
Both council leader Ian Miller and his depute Alan Grant called for extra room for movement on flooding issues during a meeting of the strategic policy and resources sub-committee.
The committee discussed the £1.65 million that has been allocated from the Scottish Government to the council to help flood-affected properties.
The meeting was arranged at short notice in order to agree a report on the flood payments, which if they meet the criteria, would see residents and businesses receive £1,500 each.
Flood-affected businesses can apply for additional funding of £3,000 where there is evidence that their ability to trade was affected by the recent storms.
Mr Miller said Alyth and Marshall Place in Perth had suffered “disastrous” levels of flooding.
“I am certainly delighted and relieved that this funding has been made available as it looked to me that there has not been substantial progress in applying for cash through the Bellwin Scheme,” he said. “We will vet applications and claims will then be submitted to the Scottish Government for payment.
“There is a clear criterion laid down for qualifying, such as the flood water had to be above floor level, but personally I would err on the side of the applicant that’s my view.
“I would hope for uniformity as these were unique events.”
He continued: “The balance of money will help us replace infrastructure that was damaged in the floods, such as bridges and roads around the county.”
Councillor Grant said: “For a little while, the people making the judgments on the applications will have to have flexible views.”
Councillors heard that evidence of flooding will have to be supplied to support the application for funding. This could consist of photographs or videos.
However, Councillor Peter Barrett said some residents would not have had time to do this while trying to contain the flooding in their homes or businesses.
Mr Miller told him the local authority had already been sent such evidence and Barbara Renton, director of environment, confirmed they are also looking at flooding evidence supplied by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced in December that £3.94m would be allocated to local authorities most affected by that month’s flooding.
The Bellwin Scheme allows Scottish Ministers to make additional revenue support to local authorities to help with unforeseen costs when dealing with the aftermath of emergency incidents.
Eligibility details and an online application form can be found by visiting www.pkc.gov.uk/floodingsupportgrant or by calling 01738 475000.