More than 10,000 people still have not been able to return to their homes after last summer's flooding, figures obtained by BBC Radio 5 Live suggest.
More than 10,000 people still have not been able to return to their homes after last summer's flooding, figures obtained by BBC Radio 5 Live suggest.
Local authorities in England say more than 5,000 households remain affected, but councils say many are not on lists as they rent or stay with relatives.
Local authorities in England say more than 5,000 households remain affected, but councils say many are not on lists as they rent or stay with relatives.
A shortage of skilled workers, as well as problems caused by a cool, wet winter have slowed down repairs.
A shortage of skilled workers, as well as problems caused by a cool, wet winter have slowed down repairs.
The worst hit areas are Hull, the East Riding and Tewkesbury.
The worst hit areas are Hull, the East Riding and Tewkesbury.
The situation is thought to be worst in Hull, where the authorities believe 10% of the city's population has been directly affected by the floods.
The situation is thought to be worst in Hull, where the authorities believe 10% of the city's population has been directly affected by the floods.
BBC Radio 5 Live understands that the estimate of more than 10,000 people affected reflects the number of households displaced and in contact with local authorities.
Christine Smith, from Hull, told the BBC she was due to be back in her home by Christmas but is still living in a caravan.
She said: "Through the damp and the delays I've encountered, it has caused secondary damage upstairs.
"I've had to throw the beds out, the carpets out and everything has turned mouldy and wet."
Skilled worker shortage
Skilled worker shortage
BBC Radio 5 Live understands that the estimate of more than 10,000 people affected reflects the number of households displaced and in contact with local authorities.
The actual number of people not in their homes could be much greater.
The actual number of people not in their homes could be much greater.
Some of those affected may not have contacted authorities, or could be staying with friends or relatives.
Some of those affected may not have contacted authorities, or could be staying with friends or relatives.
A shortage of builders, carpenters, plumbers, plasterers and electricians has meant thousands of homeowners have been forced to stay in caravans for longer than necessary.
A shortage of builders, carpenters, plumbers, plasterers and electricians has meant thousands of homeowners have been forced to stay in caravans for longer than necessary.
In many cases the extent of flood damage only emerged months after the waters had receded, and it has taken far longer than expected to dry houses out.
In many cases the extent of flood damage only emerged months after the waters had receded, and it has taken far longer than expected to dry houses out.
The Association of British Insurers has said its members have dealt with 180,000 claims and paid out more than £3bn.
The Association of British Insurers has said its members have dealt with 180,000 claims and paid out more than £3bn.
Were you affected by last summer's floods? Are you still unable to return home due to water damage? Send your comments using the post form below:
Were you affected by last summer's floods? Are you still unable to return home due to water damage? Send your comments using the post form below:
