Small businesses in Luton can now apply for grants

Eligible businesses in Luton will be able to benefit from grant support following a recent announcement from government.

The government is providing additional funding for Local Authorities to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates through the Small Business Grant (SBG).

Those which are based in England, already receive Small Business Rate Relief and/or Rural Rate Relief and occupy property are eligible for this one-off grant of £10,000.

There is also support for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, in receipt of the expanded Retail Discount through the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant (RHLG).

Businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of under £15,000, will receive a grant of £10,000 and those with a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000, will receive a grant of £25,000.

The person recorded as the ratepayer will receive the funding and one grant will be applied per eligible property meaning a business will eligible for either the SBG or the RHLG but not both.

In order for those eligible to receive the grant, the government has requested certain information over and above what the council currently holds.

Businesses must complete an online data capture form to ensure the most up to date information is held so the right people receive the right grant.

Cllr Sian Timoney, portfolio holder responsible for economic development and business support said: “This is an extremely challenging time for small businesses and so these grants can hopefully help soften the blow for those struggling and needing financial help.

“We have been working hard to get the systems ready as quickly as possible so we can administer the funds to those eligible.

"Now they are in place we will be in touch in the coming weeks to let businesses know how to claim this money by confirming details on the new online system.

"Once this has been done we will be able to process payment and we expect to have allocated all the grants by the end of April.”

For more information about eligibility and exclusions visit: www.luton.gov.uk/Health_and_social_care/coronavirus/Pages/Advice-for-businesses.aspx.

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