Following the Government announcement on 1 May about a top up grant for businesses that are not eligible for other grants, the guidance to local authorities was issued on 13 May. We are now preparing a local scheme for Dorset which will be available shortly.
The guidance from Government indicates that these grants are primarily and predominantly aimed at:
- Small and micro businesses, as defined in Section 33 Part 2 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 and the Companies Act 2006.
- Businesses with relatively high ongoing fixed property-related costs
- Businesses which can demonstrate that they have suffered a significant fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis
- Businesses which occupy property, or part of a property, with a rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments below £51,000.
We are aiming to publish eligibility criteria and guidance on making applications for the discretionary grant, including the evidence required in support of applications, on our website early next week.
This information will set out the criteria for which priority businesses are eligible to apply and how the application process will work.
I have a house in Lyme Regis which I let out for holidays through Airbnb. Because I pay council tax I’m not eligible for a grant at the moment. I understand that discretionary grants will soon be available. I would be grateful if you could let me know when.
Best wishes Tess Moffatt.
07747046035
Hi Tess, please sign up for our business e-newsletter which can be emailed directly to you and will contain all the details you need as soon as the form is live next week. Sign up here. https://dorsetcouncil.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c39535cf4f9d1ca66af8d2b44&id=bc36c80975
Thanks, Kirstie
Such fantastic news, would it be possible to call me when you know more?
Lloyd Brown
Dark Bear LTD
Hi Lloyd, we would encourage people to sign up for our business e-newsletter which can be emailed directly to you and will contain all the details you need. Sign up here. https://dorsetcouncil.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c39535cf4f9d1ca66af8d2b44&id=bc36c80975
Thanks, Kirstie
Hopefully some much needed help for those who have qualified for little else, particularly directors of small ltd companies.
I have a small holiday let (1 bed flat) in Swanage which has already qualified for the government grant. We have no income at present because of the sensible government restrictions on holidays, until this is allowed to pick up again, probably about the same time as hotels. What would “significant” property costs be? I have furloughed my local housekeeper, i.e. am paying 80% of their fees, which are the major cost when we have guests. Can you clarify the kinds of figures in mind please?
Hello Maggie, If you have already had a grant through the first round of funding I’m afraid you’re not eligible for this fund. Kirstie
I have a one bedroom flat which I normally rent from March to October, visitors are usually over 65 and the majority have cancelled their summer break. I pay community charge on this flat and of course it is furnished. Do you think I might get some help with the income I have lost?
I have put in an application for the top up grant and attached a spreadsheet with figures showing my calculations of lost income. I also have business accounts for 2 years – ending March 2019 and March 2020 which I did not upload – can they be uploaded separately to be read in conjunction with the application, or will they be requested if needed?
Hi
I have a small business and use my home address for storage of stock, my accountant includes this in my business tax returns. Can you advise if I am elligible for the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund?
Many thanks.