Supporting businesses to minimise the impact of COVID-19

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Press Release

Published on 27 March 2020
Archived on 27 April 2020


In the Budget on 11 March 2020, the Chancellor announced a package of measures to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses to ensure the impact of coronavirus is minimised.

In Stratford-on-Avon District there could be up to £33m available to businesses.

Government funds are not expected to be available to Stratford-on-Avon District Council until the middle of April. In a real example of 'thinking out of the box' and focused, swift and effective collaboration with Warwickshire County Council some funds will now be available to the District Council to start the process of beginning to make payments to local businesses in urgent need as early as next week. This week has seen a great deal of preparation; it is not a small exercise.

Details of the Small Business Grant Fund (SGBF)
Administered in Stratford-on-Avon District by the District Council, it provides a one-off grant of up to £10,000 to help small business owners meet their operating costs.

Only businesses in England are eligible for SBGF and businesses can only claim once, even if they have multiple business premises.
 
Businesses that are eligible must have been in receipt of small business rate relief (SBRR) or rural rate relief (RRR) on the 11 March 2020. Those small businesses whose premises have a rateable value between £12,000 and £15,000 and receive tapered relief also qualify.

Businesses whose property includes those also for personal use are excluded, along with car parks and parking spaces. Any business in liquidation or dissolved on or before 11 March 2020 are also excluded.

The District Council will be contacting eligible businesses from next week and pointing them to the on-line application form on the District Council Website.

Cllr Daren Pemberton Deputy Leader and Place Portfolio says: "We know there is considerable uncertainty and anxiety across our business community at present. Business owners face unprecedented challenges as a result of Covid-19. Many independent businesses have also contributed hugely to the distinctive character of our towns and villages across the District. We will do everything in our power to ensure they have the support they need at this time and to build for their future recovery. 

"I also want to pay tribute to our Warwickshire County Council partners who have worked tirelessly alongside District Council officers to bring the start of payments forward so that we can begin to get help to where it is needed.

"To help with this, we're asking all businesses to keep watching our website from next week and complete the secure on-line application, which is the ONLY method for being able to access the monies they are entitled to."


Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 27/03/2020