Support for Wiltshire businesses affected by Covid-19 restrictions

The local authority is responding after the government announced grant funding is being made available for those businesses forced to close as a result of the national restrictions.

This support includes:

* properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or under, will receive grants of £1,334 per month or £667 per two weeks

* properties with a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000, will receive grants of £2,000 per month or £1,000 per two weeks

* properties with a rateable value of £51,000 or over, will receive grants of £3,000 per month or £1,500 per two weeks

Businesses required to close or have been severely affected by the national restrictions, but which do not pay business rates, may be eligible for a grant through the discretionary grant scheme.

SUPPORT FOR WILTSHIRE BUSINESSES

Wiltshire Council leader, Philip Whitehead, said:

"We fully understand that businesses throughout Wiltshire will be concerned about the impact these new restrictions will have on their livelihood, and we will continue to do all we can to protect local businesses and safeguard jobs."

"We will provide more information on how businesses can apply for this funding as soon as we can. Having already given out approximately £96 million to local businesses impacted by coronavirus, we know how important it is to distribute the grants as soon as possible."

"Should any business need help before the grant schemes are launched, I would encourage them to contact the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub as soon as possible."

CONTACT: The Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub here

FURLOUGH EXTENDED

The government is extending the furlough scheme until the end of March 2021. The scheme will pay up to 80% of a person's wage up to £2,500 a month, but this will be reviewed in January.

Reacting to the announcement, Cllr Whitehead said:

"We welcome the news that the Chancellor has decided to extend the furlough scheme until the end of March to support businesses both in Wiltshire and around the country. This extension will provide much-needed direct support to help Wiltshire businesses and protect jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic."

"We are also supporting local businesses through the government's Local Restrictions Support Grants and Additional Restrictions Grants, and we will have more information on how businesses can apply for these soon."