We are urging eligible businesses to come forward before the central government schemes come to an end on Tuesday 25 August.

Since the Council took over the administration of the programmes in April, more than 95% of eligible businesses have applied for and received grants totalling £31.5 million. However, if the remaining funds aren’t successfully distributed, they will have to be returned to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Councillor Richard Hales, Portfolio Holder for Business & Finance, said: “These grants have been a vital lifeline for so many businesses who have suffered losses or have been forced to close due to the pandemic, and I would like to say thank you to our Finance team who have worked so hard to get these out in such high volumes. 

“There is still a small window of opportunity for the remaining 5% of businesses yet to claim to make an application for the grant support they are entitled to. I would therefore urge each and every one of them to come forward before it’s too late.”

Small businesses with a rateable value (RV) of £15,000 or less and in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rate Relief are eligible for a £10,000 grant.

Retail, Leisure and Hospitality businesses with a RV below £51,000 are eligible for either a £10,000 or £25,000 grant, depending on what their RV is.

Further information and how to apply.