More cash help for Covid-hit businesses in district - The Stratford Observer

More cash help for Covid-hit businesses in district

Stratford Editorial 8th Jun, 2020 Updated: 8th Jun, 2020   0

STRATFORD District Council has been allocated an additional £1.6million to support Covid-hit businesses.

The cash, from the Government’s Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, aims to provide support for businesses through the pandemic in addition to the Small Business Grant and the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Grant Funds, which remain open for eligible ratepayers yet to claim.

The scheme will provide support to businesses that fall into a number of main priority areas:

* Bed and breakfasts which pay Council Tax




* Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces

* Regular market traders with fixed building costs


* Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief

The council is also accepting applications from other businesses significantly impacted by Covid-19 who:

* Are suppliers reliant on the retail hospitality and leisure industry who were not included within the original scheme

* Have a Rateable Value greater than £15k but are outside of the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors

* Have a Rateable Value marginally greater than £51k but could be considered as a small business

* Are a small business who are not eligible for Small Business Rate Relief as they occupy a second property with a combined value below £15k

* Are a business unique to the tourism sector within the Stratford district

Applications open on Monday (June 8) with a deadline for applications by Friday June 26 using the online form – www.stratford.gov.uk – with payments being made the week starting June 29.

Coun Jo Barker said: “The district council has already paid out almost £30million in grant funding to local businesses and we hope this funding will support some of those who were not eligible under the first scheme.

“We know this is a really difficult time for many businesses across our district. We have worked to bring together a scheme which covers the key criteria, as set by the government, and also allow for a number of businesses and charities in particular who have previously missed out on funding to benefit this time round. It’s not a big pot of money, but we’re committed to making sure there’s help and support to all our businesses.

“I would encourage all businesses and charities to make themselves familiar with the eligibility criteria and what they need to fill in for a successful application ahead of the launch of the scheme next week.”

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