Applications still open for Covid business relief funding in West Suffolk

Businesses which have not benefited from council rate relief are still able to apply for relief funds until March 15.

West Suffolk Council has allocated over £4 million to the Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund.

The initiative has been made possible by central government grants.

Until 11.59pm on March 15, local businesses will be able to apply for aid via the scheme, provided:

• They have not have received Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief or Nursery Discount in 2021-22.
• They have been in the rating list and 'occupied' for a period of time between 1 April 2021 and the date of making an application for the relief. The exception to this is that the business did not need to be physically occupying the property when it was closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
• They have have had a business rates liability for the financial year 2021-22. Where a business’ rates bill was zero, such as if a business received the full Small Business Rate Relief it will be ineligible for Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund.
• They have been adversely affected by the pandemic and have been unable to adequately adapt to that impact.

On the other hand, they are to be classed as ineligible if:

• During 2021-22, they were eligible for the Extended Retail Discount (covering Retail, Hospitality and Leisure), the Nursery Discount or full Small Business Rates Relief.
• They were in liquidation, dissolved, in administration, insolvent or subject to, or under notice of, a striking-off notice on 1 February 2022.
• By receiving a relief under the fund, they will exceed subsidy thresholds.
• Their rateable value is solely for telephone masts, car park spaces or advertising rights.

Cllr Susan Glossop, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council said: "This is open to all those business sectors across West Suffolk who haven't had business rates relief and who can show that they have been impacted by the pandemic.

"We want to understand both the financial impact Covid has had on certain sectors, and the volume of businesses in need of support before making any decisions on the amounts to be awarded and we would encourage businesses to apply."

To apply, visit West Suffolk Council's website.