2020 was an extremely difficult year for many businesses. Unfortunately, the rapid transmission of the new strain of coronavirus is putting intolerable pressure on the NHS, which led to yesterday’s decision to lockdown the country once again.
I am pleased that the Chancellor has announced another considerable support package for businesses that have been forced to close.
Retail, hospitality and leisure business premises forced to close can claim a one-off grant of up to £9,000. The one-off additional grant each business premises will receive depends on their rateable value:
- Businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or above: £9,000
- Businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000: £6,000
- Businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or below: £4,000
This one-off grant is in addition to the existing monthly grants of up to £3,000 per month that closed businesses continue to be eligible for.
Local authorities will receive the funding for these one-off grants next week alongside further discretionary funding for businesses affected by the pandemic. Please contact Wiltshire Council on covid-19businesssupport@wiltshire.gov.uk to make sure you are claiming what is available to you.
This support will help businesses get through this difficult period until further decisions about our economic response to coronavirus and how best to support the economy, businesses and jobs at the Budget on the 3rd March.
I know this is a very difficult time for the majority of businesses and if anyone would like to discuss their particular difficulties then please do get in touch. Due to the current restrictions, I am still unable to hold meetings in person, but I would be very happy to ‘meet’ virtually on Friday (8th) to see what I can do to help you. Please email me on danny.kruger.mp@parliament.uk if this is of interest.
