COVID-19: Support for businesses

As set out by the Chancellor over recent days, a package of temporary measures has been announced to support businesses through this period of disruption.

Cotswold District Council will play its role in delivering these measures, which include:-

• a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses;
• small business grants of £10,000 for all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief;
• grant funding of up to £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000.

Cllr Mike Evemy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We understand this is an anxious time for business owners and we’re committed to working with them, and partners including the Federation of Small Businesses, to ensure those affected get the support they need.

“We are working now to identify businesses that will qualify for the additional business rate relief and will be contacting eligible businesses before 31 March to notify them of the relief and issue revised business rate bills.

“I want to reassure everyone that the Council is doing what it can to ensure our businesses  get through this crisis.”

It is anticipated that the District Council will administer the grant schemes announced by the Chancellor. The process for applying for these grants is still being worked on by the Government and more information is expected towards the end of March. Updates, including eligibility and details of how to apply, will be shared as soon as more is known.

For more information and support on coronavirus visit our website: https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/coronavirus