FLOOD victims in York and North Yorkshire may have at least one thought to comfort them as they wade through the water during future disasters - a possible cut in their council tax.

New legislation means local authorities across the county are able to give tax reductions to flood-hit residents.

Councillor Quentin Macdonald, executive member for resources with City of York Council, said: "Under new laws that have come into force, the council can give discretionary relief for special situations.

"The most obvious of these in a city like York is that it might relate to flooded homes.

"This is something the council could do to help a little bit when people can't live in their homes and they have been flooded out," he said.

Labour group leader Coun Dave Merret welcomed the extra powers, but said the onus was now on the Environment Agency to protect York homes - like those in Clementhorpe, Skeldergate and Butcher Terrace - as it had indicated it would after the 2000 floods.

He said: "When people are flooded it involves quite significant costs for those involved. Insurance policies do not cover everything and council tax cuts would help."

A Selby District Council spokesman said the authority had cut bills for about 200 homeowners after the 2000 disaster wreaked havoc in the area.

But the authority's powers had been limited to helping residents who moved completely out of their properties. People who stayed and lived upstairs could not be helped.

Under the new legislation, flood victims who remain in their homes could apply for assistance and these applications would be considered by a cross-party panel of council members.

City of York Council tax plans are due to be discussed at next Tuesday's executive meeting.

Ryedale District Council said it was aware of the new legislation, which would allow it to respond to local need.

"We will consider the introduction of these powers should the need arise," said tax manager Clive Key.

Updated: 10:49 Saturday, November 29, 2003