Coronavirus: Mansfield businesses set to get share of £350billion Government support amid

Mansfield District Council is signposting companies to the latest advice from the government about its £350bn economy support.

Small businesses are eligible for small business rate relief (SBBR) or rural rate relief, and will be able to claim a cash grant of £10,000 from local authorities.

This applies to all such businesses, regardless of sector. They do not need to apply for this and eligible businesses will be contacted by the council.

A grant of up to £25,000, is provided to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises, with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000.

These funds will be made available to local authorities in early April. Businesses can sign up to the council business mailing list to receive information as it evolves via www.mansfield.gov.uk/signup.Pubs, restaurants and cafes can now offer takeaway and delivery services without going through the usual change-of-use planning process.

Every retail, hospitality and leisure business in England get a business rates holiday for the 2020 to 2021 tax year.

Arrears on current business rates or on the rents of council-owned commercial property will not be pursued for four months.

Guidance for local authorities on the business rates holiday will be published by March 20.

An HMRC helpline 0800 0159 559 will help businesses and the self-employed in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities and businesses may be able to agree time to pay arrangements.

See at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19. It includes information about a scheme in which businesses can reclaim Statutory Sick Pay to employees and details of the government's new temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and help for employees.

The council is also advising business owners to be on their guard against fraudulent attacks by phone, text, email or online and to treat any requests for personal or financial information with caution.

Cllr Craig Whitby, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance, said: “We know this is a worrying time for business owners and we want to re-assure them that the council will be there to deliver important elements of this financial support package in the coming weeks as quickly as is possible.”