We recognise the significant impact that the recent fire has had on residents and businesses in the Stourbridge area. Our priority remains the safety, wellbeing and recovery of everyone affected.
The Council is currently exploring options with the Heart of England Community Foundation and the National Emergency Trust on how best to support residents with emergency support from the fundraising so far. Heart of England provides a clear charitable framework which reflects established approaches in such circumstances. This would provide a transparent and independent mechanism for individuals, businesses and organisations to support affected residents during the emergency response while the Council works with Heart of England Community Foundation and others to look at the best approach as we support the recovery phase and any other emergency support. Further details will be shared with those affected as soon as arrangements have been confirmed.
We are also working with partners to understand how best to distribute a number of vouchers and other donations that have been generously provided by visitors, local residents and businesses. We want to ensure that any support is distributed fairly, transparently and targeted towards those most affected by the incident. Further information on eligibility and distribution arrangements will be provided once these have been finalised.
In the meantime, residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of the incident are encouraged to contact the Council to discuss support that may already be available. This includes the Dudley Crisis Resilience Fund, which can provide assistance to eligible residents facing immediate financial difficulties. Applications to the Crisis Resilience Fund are subject to tight qualifying criteria, including household circumstances and limits on savings. Council officers can provide advice on eligibility and help residents access any assistance for which they may qualify.
Alongside these measures, the Council is working closely with insurers, loss adjusters, property owners and partner agencies to understand the full impact of the incident. Assessments are ongoing to determine the condition and safety of affected buildings, structures and surrounding land. This includes consideration of any risks associated with damaged properties, debris, smoke contamination and potentially affected trees and vegetation. Decisions regarding access, remediation works and any necessary safety measures will be taken based on professional advice and public safety considerations and no decision can be made on any financial support for the recovery phase until this work is undertaken. This is in line with advice from the National Emergency Trust and learning form Havering Council’s experiences of a similar incident in 2022.
The Council is continuing to work closely with emergency services, community organisations, local businesses and voluntary sector partners to coordinate support for those affected and to support the longer-term recovery of the area. We have registered with the Government Bellwin scheme but this only covers the emergency response costs the council which is unlikely to meet the required threshold and written to seek further support from the Government and the Combined Authority.
Residents requiring support should contact Dudley Council's customer services team or visit the Council website for the latest information and updates.