Preston City Council pays out £9.3million of business support grants

17 April 2020

Preston City Council has paid out over £9.3million of grants to 780 local businesses as part of a Government support scheme...

The payments have been made to businesses eligible for assistance as part of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).

As part of the scheme a onetime grant of £10,000 is available for businesses eligible for small business rate relief. Businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector (including pubs) are eligible for a payment of either £10,000 or £25,000, based on their rateable value.

Payments have been made via BACS transfer so that recipients do not need to visit their bank and risk exposing themselves and others to Coronavirus.

Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive of Preston City Council, said:

"Our Business Rates and Accounts teams have been working tirelessly, including evenings and weekends, to process applications from local businesses to ensure they receive these vital grants.

"We've written to all eligible businesses to outline the process they need to follow to apply for the grant and have shared information on our website and social media channels. While we've been encouraged by the number who have already applied, a significant number of eligible businesses have yet to get in touch.

"We understand this is a fraught time for businesses and we're grateful for the patience business owners have shown while we process these applications. Our thorough approach will ensure businesses receive the correct amount from this scheme."

The Council continues to process a high number of applications from local businesses and expects to receive many more in the coming days.

Applicants are urged to thoroughly review their submissions and provide as much information as possible.

Mr Phillips added:

"Our team have faced challenges in processing applications with out of date or incorrect information. I'd urge anyone applying online or via post to ensure their application is detailed and correct so that our team have the information they need.

"We've added a list to our website with common themes or information that we're missing from businesses or areas where the information we hold is out of date. The team is actively contacting those who have provided incomplete or seemingly incorrect information, but this is causing understandable delays in our ability to pay out the grants."

Business owners looking for more information about support for businesses and grant applications see business rates.

To contact the Business Rates team email: NNDR@preston.gov.uk or call: 01772 906972.

If you submitted an application on or before the 28 of March and have not yet received payment please contact our team.

More Information

• We are working with partners across the County to support the most vulnerable in our community who are facing difficulties, worries and loneliness as a result of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
• If you are isolated by Covid-19 and need help please visit our website for more information (preston.gov.uk/prestontogether), ring 01772 906777 or email support@preston.gov.uk.