Key updates - 17 April
For the latest service updates visit: https://www.stratford.gov.uk/news/press.cfm/current/3/item/137129
Business rate grants
Almost 1,500 business grant applications have been received from the approximately 2,000 businesses in the District that may be eligible for the scheme.
To date payments have been processed for 961 businesses with a total of £12.4m being distributed as at close of business today.
For more information and to apply visit: https://www.stratford.gov.uk/business-investment/covid-19-and-busines-rates.cfm
All applications are being processed as quickly as possible.
The Government has given local Councils absolutely no discretion applying these rules. We have to follow the guidelines laid down by government, and, unfortunately, these have been changing as the emergency develops which can hinder our ability to act as quickly as we would wish.
Businesses are being asked to complete the on-line application to qualify for the grants - https://www.stratford.gov.uk/online-forms/business-rates-grant-form.cfm
Please note: To protect business from fraudsters the District Council will not be asking for bank details over the phone, we will be directing them to completing the online form.
Also please do not disclosure your Business Rates Account number to anyone.
There is also a useful FAQ now on the website - https://www.stratford.gov.uk/business-investment/business-rates-grant-faqs.cfm
If you have any further enquiries please email: BRG@stratford-dc.gov.uk
- Venture House
- The team from the District Council's business centre, Venture House is working closely with the CWLEP Growth Hub to support businesses as much as possible.
They are continuing to liaise with small businesses and those who are thinking about or might have just started their business to help them find out what help and support is available to them.
The Centre is also still running its monthly networking events, be it online - www.bit.ly/vhdonuttime, delivering business start-up training via the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and informing businesses about local news and events via their email business updates.
If you are a local business and are interested to find out more and to see what help is available at this time sign up to Venture House's newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/798d9f0bc05c/sign-up-for-updates
For more information please visit http://venturehousestratford.co.uk/ or email info@venturehousestratford.co.uk or follow on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/LinkedIn: @venturehousesua
- Community Support Groups
Many local groups have set up across the district to support people in their community who may be struggling to get food or medicine and lots of Town & Parish Councils are also offering support.
Warwickshire County Council, with help from the District Council has compiled a directory providing useful information about local organisations, groups and agencies that are providing activities, advice, and services during the current COVID-19 crisis at https://apps.warwickshire.gov.uk/api/documents/WCCC-966-2079
Cllr Daren Pemberton, Deputy Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "As we end the week with the announcement of at least a further three weeks of 'lockdown' we are all now acutely aware we are in this for the long haul. Now is the time to hold on tight and support each other.
"At the District Council we are continuing in our efforts to support residents and businesses in the short and long term. This week has seen an acceleration in the processing of business rate payments. Our aim is to get money to those businesses that qualify as soon as we possibly can. We do know that nearly one third of eligible businesses have still to apply and we urge business owners to apply online quickly, so we can get them the financial help they desperately need. Stay safe, stay healthy stay socially distanced."
COVID-19 dedicated section on our website: https://www.stratford.gov.uk/coronavirus
