LevellerLive

Sedgemoor District Council has approved almost 1,300 grants worth around £13m to help small businesses struggling through loss of trade while the UK is in Coronavirus lock down. 

Progress on grant applications really took off last weekend when council officers worked through the Easter break to keep on top of the grants received since the process went live.

In total Sedgemoor has received 1,600 applications to date. However Sedgemoor has identified in excess of 2,500 businesses that could apply. This is a mix of small businesses in receipt of rate relief of businesses in the retail and hospitality trades.

If you are a business that would benefit or you know one that might, the council is asking you to visit its website for guidance.     www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/COVID19Biz

Chief Executive, Allison Griffin explains “I am extremely proud and grateful to the officers who have given up their holidays to help our local businesses and I am pleased to read some of the messages we have received that demonstrate just how vital this support will be.”

Mendip

Over at Mendip District Council (MDC) they have paid over in excess of £14 million in grants to more than 1,000 organisations affected by the coronavirus crisis. Here they some 3,500 companies across the district will could qualify for help through the government’s measures (additional reliefs and/or grants), and small businesses are being encouraged to apply online to access the help.

Leader of MDC, Cllr Ros Wyke, explains “The council’s dedicated staff are focused on efficiency, processing applications knowing that businesses need these funds for survival. We would urge those who have not completed the online form to act now.

• Application forms are easy to navigate and can be found on Mendip District Council’s website  http://www.mendip.gov.uk/businessrates
• Businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors with a rateable value of under £15,000 will receive a grant of £10,000 per property
• Businesses with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £51,000 will receive a grant of £25,000 per property

Application forms can be submitted online http://www.mendip.gov.uk/businessrates