Halton Borough Council has so far been able to allocate and pay Central Government funded Business Grants to 1,334 businesses, totalling nearly £15.5 million.
This means more than 90 per cent of the eligible businesses who can apply for the grant have now received one.
According to records held, only 134 of the eligible businesses are still to either be paid out, or need to apply for the grants. Of those which have applied and are eligible payment will be made as quickly as possible.
There are a number of applications where the Council is reviewing the eligibility based on Government criteria and guidance, we will contact the business as soon as possible to request further information or to confirm the outcome.
The grants paid are not repayable, they are a direct payment to help small and retails business in these unpredictable times. Each business will need the money for different reasons to ensure the future of the company and its employees.
Halton Borough Council is hoping that by helping with such a speedy response will enable secured employment for the future when businesses can re-open again.
If your business is eligible for a business grant, please fill in your details on this page https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/business/businessrates.aspx
The Council has received the guidance from Central Government on the Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund and is establishing an application process for local businesses. More information will be available in the coming week. Please keep up to date by checking the Council’s website.
If you would like to speak to someone locally regarding grants or support for your business please call Halton Borough Council’s Business Development Team on 0151 511 7825 or email business@halton.gov.uk
For people who are self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) a newly announced scheme to claim a grant has been published.
The scheme allows a taxable grant of 80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid in a single instalment covering 3 months, and capped at £7,500 altogether. Currently this is a temporary scheme and available through the HMRC website.
If you receive the grant you can continue to work, start a new trade or take on other employment including voluntary work, or duties as an armed forces reservist. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme
You will need your UTR (Unique Tax Reference) number and National Insurance number to begin the application process.
All businesses are reminded at this time that a number of serious fraud emails are being sent to possible recipients of grant aid in all sectors. All businesses should check the validity of email addresses before disclosing any personal or financial information.