What it is, who can get it, how to apply.
What it is
This new relief is for businesses affected by the pandemic but are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates.
The relief will be granted under this policy to reduce 2021/22 business rate bills only using discretionary relief powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.
Relief of up to 100% of the business rates chargeable amount for the 2021/22 financial year will be credited direct to the rates account.
Depending on the level of demand on the fund, the amount of relief given to a business may be capped at a certain value so the fund can support as many businesses as possible.
Who can get the relief
A business may be eligible if you can show that it:
- has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and
- cannot adequately adapt to that impact
This scheme is now closed
The application deadline for the COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund 2021-2022 was 5pm, 12 August 2022 and all applicants have been notified if they were successful or not.
Subsidy
Providing discretionary relief to ratepayers is likely to amount to a subsidy. Any relief provided will need to comply with the UK's domestic and international subsidy control obligations. Read the application form to find out more, and seek independent advice if you are not sure how this applies to you.