Harborough leader tells 1,500 cash-strapped local businesses – we’re working flat out to keep you afloat

The leader of Harborough council has told 1,500 cash-strapped local businesses – we’re working flat out to keep you afloat.

Cllr Phil King made the vow as the authority hands out substantial Government grants of £10,000 and £25,000 to companies and entrepreneurs battered by the devastating coronavirus pandemic.

The Conservative council chief said they had dished out £4.325 million to some 245 businessmen and women by “close of play” on Monday April 6.

“We are doing our absolute best to hand over this money to everyone as quickly as we can.

“I totally understand that some people are frustrated,” admitted Cllr King, who heads up Harborough District Council.

“But we are moving as fast as we can.

“Our staff are working their socks off to get this cash to every single claimant across Harborough.”

He said they could not even begin to process payments until late last week.

“We did not receive the final Government guidance on this scheme until last Wednesday, April 1,” insisted Cllr King.

“Then we only got the necessary computer software to make all this possible last Thursday.

“We are having to contact everybody applying for help to give them a secure password so we can get their bank account details.

“So we are doing well, considering everything, to be making such significant headway.”

He saluted the council’s revenue and benefits team for pulling out all the stops in a bid to support 1,500 struggling businesses throughout the district.

“They worked non-stop across last weekend, both at home and in the office.

“We also drafted in extra staff to help them out and charge ahead with this,” said Cllr King.

“I realise that people are frustrated that they haven’t received their grant cash yet.

“I’ve worked in commerce myself in the past and I clearly understand this money is their lifeblood.

“A lot of businesses are in desperate straits because of the coronavirus crisis.

“But we want to get this whole process right.

“It’s critical that we do this efficiently but also securely.

“It’s no good forking out money to the wrong people.

“We have to be very careful and get this 100 per cent right from the start.”

The council boss promised that they were working full steam ahead as the Easter weekend break looms.

“Paying out this money to businesses in Harborough is our top priority as a council now.

“I am hoping that we will be there or thereabouts with numbers paid by Thursday April 9 ahead of Easter,” vowed Cllr King.

“As we all know we are having to live through unprecedented times and our staff are doing a first-class job as they rise to this massive challenge.”

Local businesses should be eligible for a £10,000 grant if they are “in receipt of small business rate relief (SBRR) or rural rate relief (RRR)”.

Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 should be able to claim a £25,000 hand-out.

You can find out more on the Harborough council coronavirus business information webpage at: https://www.harborough.gov.uk/info/20021/council_information/325/information_for_businessesAnd if you have an urgent inquiry as you battle to keep your business alive then email: [email protected]