http://www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk/html/
Habitat for Humanity might be able to give some advice because they teach people building skills, so they can build for themselves, and neighbours work in cooperatives

Shelter have a free housing advice helpline 0808 800 4444
 http://england.shelter.org.uk/home/index.cfm
You need to ask them to help you find what European Union or UK grants might be available for deprived areas or disasters
Your council should tell you this if you are persistent

For the listed building contact English Heritage, the Government's statutory adviser on the historic environment
www.english-heritage.org.uk/
National Trust
 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/

Well, the storm certainly wrecked the landscape Tom, but you're making damn sure you got the copyright on those photos covered... Phew.

...I can well see why demolition will be required in some cases.

Quick query though. My household buildings cover is like for like replacement, hence the need to adjust rebuild values in line with inflation. I understand most buildings policies are the same. Why would the residents therefore only receive what they paid for the houses, which given recent house price inflation would be woefully short of that required?

Home Insurance is the obligation of a home owner - those who chose not to take out cover against such disasters have only themselves to blame when their property is damaged. If your car was damaged by freak weather would you ask the local council to repair it if you hadnt bothered to get car insurance?

Council tenants are okay as the authority will repair their homes. The City Council has spent large amounts of money repairing properties in the affected areas. If the same storm struck Sutton Coldfield would you expect public money to be spent repairing private property? Im sure your website would, rightly, call for mass protests to highlight this abuse.