As many businesses have found themselves unable to trade at this unprecedented time, local councils have released a number of support packages to support eligible local businesses. These packages include:

£10,000 grant for businesses in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief

The government have announced a non-refundable grant of £10,000 to businesses that are receiving small business rate relief and rural rate relief. This grant will be payable to the bank account details belonging to the person/company named on the business rate bill. To check if you are eligible and for any enquiries, please contact your local authority. To find your local authority please click here.

Action you can take: Send your bank details to your local authority (contact them to clarify where this should be sent) to ensure speedy payment.

Up to £25,000 grant for businesses in Retail, Hospitality and Leisure 

Grants of up to £25,000 will be available for eligible businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £50,999. You can check your businesses rateable value here.

You do not need to anything to access the scheme as your local authority will write to you if you are eligible.

Action you can take: Make sure your business is classed correctly with your local authority if you are unsure.

Expanded retail discount

Businesses within the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors can benefit from 100% rate relief in 2020/2021. Expanded retail discount will be available on occupied properties that are wholly or mainly being used (more than 50% is used for the specific purpose).

Some of the businesses that can benefit from this are as follows:

  • Shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues
  • Assembly and leisure
  • Hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering accommodation

Government guidance can be found here.

For further information on additional support to protect businesses please click here.

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