Call to businesses
Around 300 Richmondshire businesses are being contacted this week as part of a final round up to give them cash help during the coronavirus epidemic.
District Council officers have identified the companies and charity groups that haven’t yet come forward for one of the government grants which is providing help for small businesses.
There are a further 340 second home owners that are also being traced by the authority – they could also be eligible for aid.
So far the council has paid out £14.35 million to around 1200 businesses, around 64% of those in the district.
“Some businesses and community groups may think they do not qualify so we are planning to contact them all individually to explain how the grant aid works,” said Chief Executive, Tony Clark.
“We want to ensure that everyone that is eligible gets this aid, particularly our village halls, workshops, stores, camping and caravan sites, farm shops and community facilities. There is no complicated application form to complete. All we need to do is check records match with our business rate database and we can turn the grant around very quickly.”
The online grants service for small business rate relief, rural rate relief and retail, hospitality and leisure grants was launched on March 27. Organisations will require their business rates accounts information when they apply.
- Community organisations entitled to Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief as at 11 March 2020 are able to receive a grant of £10,000
- Community organisations in receipt of a retail discount under the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant with a rateable value of less than £51,000 are able to receive a grant of up to £10,000. For those community organisations with a rateable value of greater than £15,000 but less than £51,000, a grant of £25,000
To apply for a grant complete our online business grant COVID-19 application form.