AS the anniversary of last summer's devastating floods approaches the victims have been promised tax aid.

The Government has pledged to help those who have still not managed to return to their homes, almost 12 months on.

The 28 families in Swindon who are still homeless through flooding are currently exempt from paying council tax but those exemptions are only allowed for one year.

A report by the former chief executive of Swindon Council, published today, is expected to condemn the plight of those still homeless after last summer's flooding.

Sir Michael Pitt's inquiry is expected to hit out at the treatment of families in high-risk areas and the response by Government, local authorities and insurance companies.

Julie Jackson has been flooded twice in the last two years, and has still been unable to return to her Haydon Wick home.

She said that although a lot of attention is focussed on last July's extreme weather, it was not the first time she had been flooded.

She said: "Our problems go back to 2006 - we were first flooded in November of that year.

"The real problem that needs addressing is repeated flooding. We need all the agencies to stop passing the buck and work together to do something about it.

"We have had two years of this. All we want is a dry house to live in, but it seems like that's an impossible thing to ask for."

Julie said that the boast by the Government to help victims of flooding with their council tax is not really addressing the problem.

She said: "My argument with council tax is the revaluation of the bands for properties that have been repeatedly flooded.

"That's something I would like to see addressed."

Thames Water last week announced an £8m scheme to tackle flooding in Haydon Wick.

The 20-month project will see the sewer network completely redesigned and ageing sewer pipes replaced.

Julie said: "We are looking towards 2010 now, but we'll probably be forced to move back before then and we'll probably get flooded again. That's seems certain."

A spokeswoman for Swindon Council said: "We sympathise with residents who have been unable to live in their homes as a result of the flooding last July.

"At that time 86 households were in this position and accordingly did not have to pay council tax during the period they were not occupying their homes.

"The number of households in this position had fallen to 28 at the end of May."