Council welcomes Chancellor’s support for residents and businesses

Published: Thursday, 19th March 2020

Sevenoaks District Council has welcomed the Government announcement on Tuesday (17 March 2020) to offer more support to businesses and people affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced that retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will not have to pay business rates from April for a year. In addition, businesses in these sectors with rateable values of less than £51,000 can apply for a grant of up to £25,000.

Businesses that receive Small Business Rates Relief are also eligible for a grant up of £10,000.

The Government will publish details of the help and support available and eligibility in the coming days. Eligibility for the business support may be subject to certain Government criteria.

Cllr Peter Fleming, Leader of Sevenoaks District Council, says: “Speaking with businesses across the District, there is real concern about the future. The announcement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer will go some way to help them during this challenging period. As soon as the Government release details of the support available, we will make it our top priority to ensure the money is passed on to those who are eligible as soon as possible.

“We have seen some amazing examples of innovation from our businesses in the face of a challenging situation. These include delivery services, a collection service from a pub, a tourist attraction opening up for older people to exercise, with its café offering take away food and essential food boxes. Local shops are offering telephone orders and posting out to customers. We all need to support these businesses now more than ever and the Council will be playing its part in doing that too.”