Millions paid out to help businesses in Test Valley
More than £20 million of vital funding has now been passed on to businesses all over Test Valley during the coronavirus pandemic.
Last month, central government issued billions of pounds to local authorities across the country to help support businesses with grants and reliefs. Since receiving its allocation of the funding on April 1, Test Valley Borough Council has now processed more than £21 million to more than 1,750 businesses. The council is in the top 20 per cent of authorities for issuing payments to businesses.
Before receiving this funding from central government the authority wrote to more than 2,300 businesses in preparation for processing payments for when the finances did arrive.
Despite issuing millions of pounds to date, the council is still appealing to all businesses who think they may be eligible for government funding, to apply if they haven’t already done so.
To be eligible for a grant, a business must have been in occupation of their property on March 11 2020 and either:
· Be in receipt of (or eligible for) small business rate relief or rural rate relief
· Be eligible for the expanded retail, hospitality and leisure business rates discount
Businesses who have temporarily closed or those who may not have seen their letter from Test Valley Borough Council can still check to see if they’re eligible, check government guidance notes, and apply, via the council’s website, at www.testvalley.gov.uk/coronavirus, under the ‘advice for businesses’ section.
Finance portfolio holder, councillor Maureen Flood, said: “As I have said before, I am immensely proud of our revenues and welfare staff for their efforts in processing these incredibly important funds for our businesses.
“However, I would urge any organisation who believes they are eligible for this funding or relief to please check and apply online via our website.”