North Yorkshire businesses still to claim Government support
Thousands of businesses across North Yorkshire are now receiving emergency grant funding, but many businesses are yet to claim what they are entitled to.
The warning has come from York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. (LEP)
In March, the Government announced a package of support to help businesses through the Coronavirus crisis, including Small Business Grant Scheme funding and Business Support Grants for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure.
Through the funding schemes, businesses in receipt of small business rate relief, rural rate relief and expanded retail discount can claim £10,000 or £25,000, depending on their rateable value, in grant funding to support them during the lockdown period.
Eligible businesses have been contacted by their local district or borough council in North Yorkshire and asked to provide confirmation of payment details.
The LEP says that although thousands of those businesses have provided details and are in receipt of their government funding, some businesses are yet to apply for their grant. These firms need to get in touch with their local council as soon as possible.
David Kerfoot, chairman of the York & North Yorkshire LEP, said: “It’s a challenging time for our North Yorkshire businesses, and these grants are making a difference for so many.
“It’s important for businesses to access all the help that’s available, so I’d encourage any eligible businesses who hasn’t yet done so to get in touch with their district or borough council as soon as possible, so they can process their grant payment.
“Whilst this is vital help, we also recognise there are many businesses not supported by these grants and we are continually lobbying Government for more support.
“Despite these troubling times, it’s fantastic to see lots of businesses in our region innovating what they’re doing.
“We’ve seen some amazing examples of our local businesses adapting and diversifying however they can, not just to stay in business, but to support and help local communities.
“Even in tough times, our businesses continue to make us proud and demonstrate why North Yorkshire is such a special place to live, work and visit.”
District and borough councils are responsible for administering the grant funding packages within their areas.
Businesses yet to claim their grant are urged to visit their local council website as soon as possible.
