Council ready to process £40m coronavirus support grants to small businesses and those in retail, hospitality and leisure sectors

Thanet District Council has today been issued £40m from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy to distribute in the form of support grants to specific local businesses.

Many small businesses which receive small or rural business rates relief (with a rateable value under £15,000) will receive a payment of £10,000. Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000, will receive a £25,000 grant. More information can be found on the cash grants for businesses webpage.

The council is currently identifying businesses that qualify for a cash grant.

• For businesses that pay by Direct Debit, we will pay the grant into the bank account the Direct Debit is paid from, on or shortly after Tuesday 7 April
• For businesses that don’t pay by Direct Debit, we will write on or shortly after Wednesday 8 April providing a link to an online form for the provision of bank details for payment.
• Businesses that think they should qualify, but have not received an email or letter by 15 April, should contact the Business Rates Team.

Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council said:

“Supporting local businesses is a key priority – these are unprecedented times and the situation has been changing rapidly. We are working hard to deliver these support packages as quickly as possible and have already applied the business rates holiday to over a thousand accounts.”

The council recently contributed £5,000 to bolster the Kent Growth Hub and provide a dedicated support line for COVID-19 related issues. The line (03333 602300) is in operation from 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

There is a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions webpage (thanet.gov.uk/businessfaqs) for businesses which will be updated regularly. The council will continue to use social media and work closely with its partners to help as many businesses as possible during this difficult time.