Businesses in Stafford Borough have received around £950,000 as part of the latest national lockdown fund.
To help compensate for their lost income over the recent four-week lockdown period nearly 600 businesses have received payments from the borough council.
Lockdown measures, which came into force in early November, and businesses that were forced to close or were seriously affected were entitled to claim grants. Non-essential retail, leisure, sports facilities and the hospitality sector could claim up to £3,000 depending on the rateable value of their business.
The latest round of funding saw a total of 594 businesses receiving a share of £949,604, and since March the council has distributed more than £25 million to local businesses who have been affected by restrictions brought in to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
The council say a new grants scheme for other eligible businesses severely affected by lockdown, and ongoing trading restrictions, is now available.
Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Resources at the council, said: “During the pandemic our staff have worked, and continue to work, very long hours, including weekends and bank holidays to pay grants, under great pressure, to support local businesses – and they have done this very effectively.
“We have already distributed more than £25 million to our local businesses during the lockdown periods this year which we know has helped so many survive through these challenging times.
“We have paid all claims received to date and now working as fast as we can on delivering the ‘Additional Restrictions Grant’ – but I’d urge any business who may be struggling to please check what support and grants are available and if they need further advice then please get in touch with us.”
To find out more go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/business-support-coronavirus. The on-line application form is available at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/LRGform.
Councillor Smith added: “It is tremendous news about the progress of a vaccine but we need our residents and businesses to keep to all the rules and guidance so we can get out of the current highest tier of restrictions as soon as possible.”
You can contact the council at economy@staffordbc.gov.uk or call 01785 619000
