SMDC Hardship Grant Set to Launch To Help Even More Local Businesses

The Council will this week launch a hardship grant for businesses impacted by Covid-19 using the discretion awarded to us under the Additional Restrictions Grant. It’s aimed primarily at firms that were not eligible for help from the mandatory and discretionary schemes although, under theme four, applications will be considered from larger businesses who may have already had some grant funding.
This one-off grant covers the period from 4 November 2020 to 31 March 2021 and is grouped into four themes:
* Grant for licenced local taxi drivers who are also resident in the Moorlands and who have NOT had discretionary grants since November.
* Grant for home based businesses including those in the arts, cultural and events sectors and self-employed tradespeople who are based in the District AND have had a significant fall in income due to Covid AND have on-going business overheads e.g.insurance, licences etc.
* Grant for essential traders who have a permanent shop or market lease agreement AND who have experienced a significant drop in income due to lower footfall. This grant is NOT open to anyone who has received a mandatory or discretionary grant since November 2020.
* Grant for exceptional circumstances for SME businesses who are liable for business rates AND who are at significant risk of failure due to Covid AND closure will involve making ten or more people redundant. Businesses from any sector can apply but will need to provide evidence of pre-Covid trading, impact and details of other funding received.
Due to national criteria there are a small number of businesses who are NOT eligible including those: that ceased trading before 4 November or are in administration now; in the financial services sector; in the property services sector including lettings (including home-owners who let properties under the ‘rent a room tax allowance’ and via Air B&B); and businesses that have already received grant payments that equal the maximum levels of State Aid permitted.
PLEASE NOTE: If you claim this grant and it becomes clear at a later date you were NOT eligible or declared false information you will be liable to repay the grant in full. The Council will take further action to recover the grant if necessary. Priority will be given to hospitality, Leisure and accommodation sector and suppliers and the Council reserves the right to close the Hardship Grant scheme at any point depending on the number of application received and funds available for allocation.
The application form will be available via our website (https://highpeak.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cea8aac346779146f330717ff&id=69e356531c&e=d54c51711c)  later this week so check regularly or e-mail regeneration@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk  and ask to be put on notification list.
Tony Walley
Tony Walley
News & Sport Editor

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