Almost half of eligible businesses yet to apply for government Coronavirus support money

Bedford Borough Council is issuing an urgent call for businesses ratepayers which may be eligible for a coronavirus support grant to request it, with almost half of eligible local firms still to apply.

The Government's coronavirus business support grants provide £10,000 for businesses ratepayers in receipt of small business or rural rate relief, and up to £25,000 for eligible retail, leisure and hospitality ratepayers.

Bedford Borough Council is administering the grants locally and has established a process designed to get money to eligible firms as swiftly as possible, including a quick and easy online form. £17.2m has already been paid out to 1,500 businesses.

However, over 2,800 Bedford Borough firms overall are believed to be eligible for grants, suggesting almost half have yet to apply. The Council is working to ensure that as many eligible local businesses as possible access the emergency money the government has made available to help them through this period, including via a letter drop, phone campaign and emails.

However, with some companies not currently operating from their premises it's important to spread the message as widely as possible.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "It is crucial that eligible local business ratepayers get the support designed to help see them through these difficult times. Council officers have worked flat out to get over £17m into the accounts of small businesses so far, and we don't want any local firms to miss out on the support available. This is a cash grant and it's quick and easy to apply, so if your business could be eligible please do so today."

You can apply for a grant, and find out more about the scheme and other coronavirus support for business, at www.bedford.gov.uk/covid19business