Businesses across Harborough forced to close temporarily amid the Covid-19 lockdown can apply for emergency cash - here's how

Struggling businesses across Harborough forced to close temporarily amid the Covid-19 lockdown are being urged to apply for emergency cash help as they battle to survive.

Companies which pay business rates (non-domestic rates) or claim business rates relief will be eligible for grants worth up to £3,000 a month.

They can claim that support while they have to stay shut under national restrictions imposed on Thursday November 5 to combat the coronavirus.

Businesses with rateable values - such as non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses - can now claim a fixed grant of £1,334, £2,000 or £3,000 for the four-week national lockdown period.

The amount will depend on the rateable value of the premises.

Premises with a rateable value of £15,000 and under are eligible for £1,334, premises from £15,000 to £51,000 are eligible for £2,000 and premises with a rateable value of £51,000 and over are eligible for £3,000.

Harborough council is handing out the cash according to a strict national eligibility criteria.

The authority is encouraging all eligible businesses to apply by going online to www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus as soon as possible.

For businesses without a rateable value forced to close, a separate Discretionary Grant scheme will also be launched soon and details published shortly.

Meanwhile, small businesses which feel that they may be eligible, or wish to find out more, can email [email protected] to register an interest.

The council will contact them with further details as soon as they become available.

Cllr Phil King, the council’s leader, said: "We understand this is a very challenging time.

“These grants will help mitigate the impact of this four-week lockdown on businesses and the local economy.

“I urge businesses affected to visit our website as we want to get this support funding out as quickly as possible.”

For more information about eligibility, frequently asked questions and to apply visit www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus and click on the ‘Grants For Businesses Temporarily Closed’ tab.