Understanding the Coronavirus Support Grants

26 March 2020

Rates Based Support during the Coronavirus outbreak

Some Local Authorities are now taking applications for Coronavirus support grants, based on the rateable value of the business. There are three specific areas of support in this regard:

• Those businesses that are currently eligible for Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) can apply for a one off grant of £10,000 to meet ongoing business costs to help bridge through this difficult period;
• A £25,000 grant will be provided to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000;
• Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors irrespective of their rateable value will pay no business rates for 12 months (2020/21 tax year)

To access the grants:

If you are based in Bristol, please email your application to business.rates@bristol.gov.uk with your business rates account number (see below*) and quote “Grant Application” in the subject heading. State the nature of your business in the email and note whether you prefer payment by cheque or BACS (supplying your bank details if the latter)

If you are based in the Vale of Glamorgan please fill in the online application form here – again you will need your rates number* plus business bank statements, a business utility bill and a copy of your lease

We are still awaiting advice from Cardiff Council & Bridgend Council as to the grant application process in these areas and will post further details as soon as they become available.

*If you do not know your business rates reference, check online via the Government website at https://www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates

For all the latest information on Coronavirus Business Support, visit our dedicated web page or sign up for alerts here