Thousands of pounds paid to struggling Doncaster businesses by council

Business across the borough have started to get cash sums via bank transfer and council bosses expect ‘several thousand’ submissions for more in the coming days.

The council has received more than 2,500 online webforms for the schemes to date including the £10,000 Small Business Grant, which is available to businesses with a rateable value of up to £15,000 who are in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief.

There is also a £10,000 or £25,000 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant, which is available to firms in those sectors with a rateable value up to £51,000.

As part of additional support measures, the council is also processing changes to the Retail Relief scheme which will mean most retail, leisure and tourism businesses will pay no business rates in 2020-21, regardless of their rateable value.

Those businesses affected will receive a revised rates bill to confirm that they will not need to pay any rates for 2020-21. Those businesses that pay by Direct Debit and now qualify for the relief will not have a payment taken.

Coun Bill Mordue, cabinet member for business, skills and economic development, said: “Our Revenues and Benefits team are working flat out to make sure businesses and residents get the financial support they need during this very difficult period.

“We are delighted to have made these first vital payments so quickly to help small businesses and retail businesses in the borough. If you have not had your payment yet please bear with us as we are working very hard to make the payments as soon as we possibly can.

“If people have already submitted a form or been in touch with the Business Doncaster team can they hold off ringing to find out when the payment will be made as this is diverting these staff from making payment. Patience is appreciated during this time.”

If businesses haven’t already submitted an online webform for the grant, they should visit: www.doncaster.gov.uk/doitonline/request-a-small-business-grant-fund-and-retail-hospitality-and-leisure-grant-fund-payment

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