Grants for local businesses affected by lockdown

Businesses which pay business rates (non-domestic rates) or claim business rates relief will be eligible for grants worth up to £3,000 per month while they are forced to remain closed as part of national restrictions brought in on 5 November to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Businesses with rateable values, which were forced to temporarily close to the public from 5 November - such as non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses - that were open until the widespread national restrictions began, can now claim a fixed grant of £1,334, £2,000 or £3,000 for the four week national lockdown period, with the grant amount depending on the rateable value of the premises.

Those premises with a rateable value of £15,000 and under are eligible for £1,334, premises from £15,000 to £51,000 are eligible for £2,000 and premises with a rateable value of £51,000 and over are eligible for £3,000.

Harborough District Council is distributing the grant according to a strict national eligibility criteria, and is encouraging all eligible businesses to apply by going online to www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus as soon as possible.

For businesses without a rateable value, which were forced to close, a separate Discretionary Grant scheme, will also be launched soon and details published shortly. In the meantime, small businesses which feel that they may be eligible, or wish to find out more can email a dedicated email address, to register an interest: Covid19discretionarygrantsupport@harborough.gov.uk and the Council will contact them with further details, as soon as these are available.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: "We understand this is a very challenging time; these grants will help mitigate the impact of this four-week lockdown on businesses and the local economy. I urge businesses affected to visit our website as we want to get this support funding out as quickly as possible.”

For more information about eligibility, frequently asked questions and to apply visit www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus and click on the ‘Grants For Businesses Temporarily Closed’ tab.