Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has welcomed the launch of Local Authority Discretionary Grant scheme, delivered by the Wealden District Council. The Council has already paid out £36.4 million to local businesses through the original Covid business support schemes, and a further £2.6 million is now available to support small businesses that are not eligible for other support.
Business grants are vital to the survival of local businesses in this unprecedented time and are important in ensuring that local areas can prosper and thrive as we emerge from this crisis. Under previous provisions, such as the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Grants Fund, eligible businesses are entitled to either £10,000 or £25,000 grants, depending on their rateable value. Alongside these schemes, the Discretionary Fund brings in scope similar businesses that are outside the rates system and did not qualify for a grant under previous criteria.
Nus Ghani said: “This is a hugely challenging time for businesses, especially for smaller ones, that are at the heart of our Wealden communities. I am pleased to see the great work of Wealden Council in supporting local businesses and I am grateful to the leader of the Council, Bob Standley and the Chief Executive of the Council, Trevor Scott for our weekly meetings to help local businesses access grants and address any difficulties with the grant application process.”
“Many Wealden businesses have already received Government support however, I would encourage those that were previously unable to apply, but are now eligible under the Discretionary Grant Scheme, to get in touch with Wealden District Council.”
The closing date for applications for the Wealden Discretionary Grant Scheme for Businesses is 5pm on Friday 19 June. More information about the scheme and information on how to apply is available on Wealden District Council website here.
For more information regarding coronavirus advice and support available for businesses, please visit the Government website here.
