Support for local businesses during coronavirus – update

Rossendale Borough Council is dedicated to supporting all our local businesses through these challenging and unprecedented times.

The Government has introduced a package of business support for those affected by the restrictions and closures put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Help is also at hand for a range of issues through the Council. The Economic Development Team is making sure that these businesses are being kept up to date with current information as it becomes available.

Businesses can access a range of support from the Council to help them through this difficult time:

• Government Grants for businesses in response to Coronavirus Covid-19

The Government has announced two grant funding schemes – The Small Business Grant Fund and The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

These schemes are funded by Central Government. The qualifying criteria are set by the Government. Detailed Guidance on qualification can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding

• Business Rates Relief

For more information on the premises covered, please see https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/875613/Expanded_Retail_Discount_Guidance_25.03.20.doc.pdf

• Rent Subsidy for RBC Business Tenants

In order to support their tenants, RBC has set up a rent subsidy scheme. All tenants classed as micro and small businesses will be eligible. A rent subsidy of 50% for 3 months will be available from 1^st April 2020. The Council are writing to their business tenants.

For clear and current information on the package of support for businesses affected by Coronavirus, please access  https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

Information and support for Rossendale businesses is also available on the Invest in Rossendale website https://investinrossendale.com/

The Government has also announced further details of additional support for sole-traders and self-employed people who are affected during this period. More information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-gives-support-to-millions-of-self-employed-individuals

Self-employed people who are not eligible for this scheme can contact the Council to discuss their options for support. Please go to the online form: https://iweb.itouchvision.com/portal/f?p=1030:110:5564884632189:::::

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Borough Council, said:

This is obviously a very challenging and worrying time for everyone, and especially businesses and their staff. We are working extremely hard to help our vital and thriving businesses and their employees.

We know how worrying this situation is and we understand businesses and self-employed people are facing uncertainty and making huge sacrifices and our teams will be here to support you in every way we can.”