Swindon & Wiltshire News
Wiltshire Council issues £1.5 million to coronavirus-hit businesses
Around £1.5 million has been issued to small businesses this week as Wiltshire Council starts to release vital grants to support struggling businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this week the council wrote to over 8,000 businesses eligible for either a £10,000 grant for businesses in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) or rural rates relief and up to £25,000 for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of less than £51,000.
Since then over 2,000 applications have been received and are currently being assessed and today much-needed funding has been transferred to the first 58 local businesses.
Philip Whitehead, the leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to release the first grants to help support our local businesses that are struggling to survive the impact of COVID-19.
“We appreciate how stressful this time is for businesses and we are working around the clock to issue this funding as quickly as possible. It is a testament to this hard work that the first £1.5 million has been issued ahead of schedule and more funding will be released tomorrow.
“Businesses that have received our letter are being asked to complete an online grant form. It is vital they come back to us with any information that we require as quickly as possible.
“We have received some incomplete forms which means we are having to go back and ask for the information causing a delay in processing the grant. Wherever possible could businesses please include their letter reference number, as it will allow us to match their details much faster.
“For businesses that are closed and are unable to collect their letter, if you think your business is eligible you can complete the online grant form.
“In addition, we are also offering businesses the opportunity to defer business rates payments for two months, and not pay in April and May. Those businesses wishing to take advantage of this can contact businessrates@wiltshire.gov.uk“
“We are all in this together and it is only by supporting each other that our Wiltshire businesses and local economy can weather the extreme challenges currently being faced.”
The online grant form can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/business-advice-support-covid19
