FLOOD victims in Worcester have welcomed news that they will save money on their council tax bills if they are forced out of their homes.

Housing Minister Nick Raynsford said he was awarding councils across Worcestershire discretionary powers to reduce the total paid by householders.

Unless all the furniture has been removed, flood victims still have to pay full council tax at present - even though water damage has made their home uninhabitable.

This is despite the fact they may also be paying Council Tax on their temporary accommodation.

The issue was brought to the attention of Ministers during autumn 2000, when floods devastated Worcester, Upton-upon Severn and many other villages.

The chairman of the Worcester Action Against Floods group, Mary Dhonau, said the news was welcomed in the city.

"It's excellent," said the Waverley Street resident.

"Last time, we had to fight for some of the residents and we did get a full rebate.

"It ought to be if you flood and you're out of your house then there should be an automatic stop on paying council tax. Why should you pay for two properties when you've got an awful lot of expense?"

Hylton Road resident Lesley Bond fought successfully for a full rebate of council tax paid while living in temporary accommodation.

Mr Raynsford said, as a result, councils would now be able to "create their own discounts and exemptions".

"These extra powers could be used to address local hardships, such as flooding and other natural disasters," he added. The size of the council tax discount will be up to individual local authorities.

Worcester MP Mike Foster has also welcomed the news.

"This is the Government responding to a real issue raised by flood victims, and I am sure it will be welcomed in Worcester," said the chairman of the Parliamentary Flood Group.