Published: 01/04/2020
MORE than £3 million has been awarded to businesses in Copeland affected by the current Coronavirus pandemic.
Copeland Council has so far awarded 245 businesses a total of £3,005,000 in Government grants.
Cash grants of £25,000 are being awarded to businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector, dependant on rateable value. These businesses are also eligible for 100 per cent business rate relief, for a period of 12 months, irrespective of rateable value.
Small and rural businesses can apply for cash grants of £10,000 and some are eligible for 100 per cent rate relief. Small business awards are dependent on the rateable value being less than £15,000.
Copeland Council launched a bank details request form immediately after the government grants were announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “This demonstrates how exceptionally hard our officers are currently working.
“We are getting this money to businesses in need, as soon as we possibly can, and our team are working around the clock to process these grants and the rate relief, which is vital to Copeland’s economy at this time.
“We want to assure everyone that we will continue to keep up the momentum and process this support as quickly and efficiently as were permitted to do so.
“Part of the process involves verifying businesses which does take time, but these figures indicate that we are doing everything in our power to get the financial support to those most in need, fast.
“I’d like to thank our officers for their outstanding commitment and dedication to this process and ask our residents to show kindness and support to our teams during this time of enormous pressure.”
For more information and to apply for rate relief or cash grants go to https://www.copeland.gov.uk/coronavirus-resources-business, email business.rates@copeland.gov.uk or call 01946 598300.
