Businesses urged to apply for discretionary grants
Businesses which have so far missed out on government coronavirus funding can now apply for new discretionary grants.
Lancaster City Council has been allocated £1.68 million to distribute to small businesses which have so far been unable to access financial support.
Eligible business will initially qualify for a payment of £2,000, with the potential for more depending upon the number of applicants and the level of funding remaining.
Those eligible are:
• Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces
• Market traders with fixed building costs and no business rates assessment
• B&Bs which pay council tax instead of business rates
• Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief who would have been entitled to Small Business Rate Relief.
Councillor Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “While we’re pleased that further funds have been made available to support local businesses, designing a scheme to distribute a fixed sum to an unknown number of businesses has its challenges.
“We’ve therefore made the decision to initially cap payments at £2,000, to try and make our allocation stretch as far as we possibly can and ensure as many businesses as possible receive some funding.
“There are still payments available from the earlier funding streams that haven’t been claimed and we’d encourage those who are eligible to make their claims as soon as possible.
“We’d like as much money as possible to stay in the district, so we hope that eventually the government will allow any unclaimed grant payments will be added to this discretionary pot, as I know there are many businesses out there that are in desperate need of financial aid.”
Detailed guidance on which businesses may be eligible for a discretionary grant can be found on our website.
The closing date for applications is June 30.
Paper copies of the application form can be posted out to those who are not able to apply online.
If you would like a paper application, or need help in accessing any of the business funding streams please either email econdev@lancaster.gov.uk or phone Customer Services on 01524 582000.
Last updated: 28 May 2020