Businesses in England still need to claim £2bn in grants
Posted: Wed 3rd Jun 2020
Around £2bn in government retail and hospitality grants have yet to be claimed in England.
Latest figures show that around £10bn in grants have been given out to businesses in England that pay business rates or are eligible for business rates relief. With a total funding pot of £12.3bn that means around £2bn is still to be claimed.
All businesses in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief and Rural Rates Relief are eligible for a £10,000 grant, while businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 can get a £25,000 grant
The government initially said local authories would get in touch with businesses eligible for the grants, but most councils require businesses to fill in an online form as they don't hold details for all companies.
Letters have also been sent to companies but because many properties are closed due to the lockdown, business owners haven't received the letters.
Small business minister Paul Scully has spoken to local media across England to try and encourage businesses to apply. In Sheffield for example £83m has been handed out but £30m is still available.
He told The Star newspaper that some businesses may not have heard about the schemes or wrongly believe the money is a loan rather than a grant. "We want Sheffield to thrive and bounce back. We are keen to give them cashflow now," Scully said.
Similarly, in Northamptonshire £113m has been provided with £20m remaining.
"We are asking people to come forward and make themselves known to their local authority," Scully told the Northamptonshire Telegraph. "We want to make sure we get the message out to every business that this is a grant, not a loan and will not have to be paid back.
"What we are finding is that there are still businesses coming forward, and this appeal from me is an attempt to make sure businesses get the financial support they need."
Business owners who have not been contacted by their local council are encouraged to find the relevant online form to access the grants.
Click here for a spreadsheet of council website links for England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.
The latest coronavirus support information
We are keeping you updated on the latest information on how to access the government's coronavirus business support here. You can also find advice and ask a question on Enterprise Nation's coronavirus business advice hub. Follow Enterprise Nation on Twitter too for updates.