Wiltshire Council announces more support for businesses
Firms could receive up to ÂŁ3,000 a month for the second lockdown.
Last updated 6th Nov 2020
The government has announced that grants will be made available for businesses required to close, as a result of the new lockdown measures. This includes:
- Properties with a rateable value of ÂŁ15,000 or under, will receive grants of ÂŁ1,334 per month or ÂŁ667 per two weeks
- Properties with a rateable value of between ÂŁ15,000 and ÂŁ51,000, will receive grants of ÂŁ2,000 per month or ÂŁ1,000 per two weeks
- Properties with a rateable value of ÂŁ51,000 or over, will receive grants of ÂŁ3,000 per month or ÂŁ1,500 per two weeks
Firms that have been forced to shut or severely affected by the national restrictions, but do not pay business rates, may be eligible for funding through the discretionary grant scheme.
'We will continue to do all we can to protect local businesses'
Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, 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 ÂŁ96 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."
The furlough scheme has also been extended by the government, until the end of March 2021.
The initiative will pay up to 80% of a person's wage up to ÂŁ2,500 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."