Flood victims in Perth and Kinross should be given a discount on their council tax if they are forced from their homes, a local politician has said.
Liz Smith made her comments after it was revealed that Somerset County Council has suspended part of the levy for those affected by rising water in the region.
The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP applauded the move and said similar measures would benefit residents of communities like Comrie, which suffered two floods in 2012.
The second, on November 19, resulted in around 150 homes being flooded and more than 200 householders having to be evacuated.
In both instances, the Water of Ruchill had burst its banks.
Perth and Kinross Council has ruled out a discount, however, on the basis that it continues to provide services to residents, even if they are no longer in their homes.
Ms Smith said: “It is essential that support is provided to those affected by flooding and I very much welcome the move by Conservative-controlled Somerset County Council to suspend the council tax for those families affected by flooding. It is important that lessons are learned from what is currently happening in England and how improvements can be made to how we respond to flooding in Scotland in the future.
“I have tabled questions in Parliament, calling on the SNP Government to support the suspension of council tax for those individuals and businesses affected by flooding.”
Perth and Kinross Council, which spent £1 million on a flood prevention scheme in Comrie, said it had other measures in place to support flood victims.
A spokeswoman said: “The council seeks to take, wherever possible, a preventative approach regarding the issue of flooding in Perth and Kinross. This is delivered through the provision of flood mitigation measures, information and advice for communities and as part of last week’s budget decisions to invest in a community fund to help residents in communities at risk of flooding to protect their properties.
“Local authorities are required to deliver services to residents even when people are out of their homes for a range of reasons, including flooding.
“As there is no specific council tax exemption for properties affected by flood damage, we will continue to look to provide appropriate advice and support to residents, taking into consideration the particular circumstances of communities in the event that significant or severe flooding occurs.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Following the flooding in 2012, the Scottish Government worked with Sepa (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) to expedite a new flood warning scheme for Comrie, which proved its worth when the people of Comrie received flood warnings for the first time during the severe weather in December.”
He added that communities also receive practical advice and support from the Scottish Flood Forum, which is mainly funded by the Scottish Government.