The Government has announced a number of schemes for Swale Borough Council to administer to help people and businesses in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Following the receipt of more detailed guidance from the Government, officers have been working to prepare systems and processes to provide the support.
Following the receipt of more detailed guidance from the Government, officers have been working to prepare systems and processes to provide the support.
SBC has put together the attached summary of the support available so far. As and when other schemes are brought in, they will try to update this and circulate it so Councillors have as up-to-date information as possible.
Please bear in mind that there can be a delay between announcements being made by the Government and SBC receiving the details they need to put together the schemes. This is why they are encouraging people to keep an eye on the dedicated section of their website www.swale.gov.uk/coronavirus and their social media channels where they will be putting as much information as they can.
Businesses should sign up to the Swale Means Business ebulletin where information is being shared as soon as possible.
Alan Horton
Ward Councillor serving Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch Ward
Email: alanhorton@swale.gov.uk
Tel: 07447 925760
Summary
Council tax support
Those residents who receive Council Tax Support will shortly receive an additional amount of up to £150 towards their council tax for 2020/21. This is from the government’s council tax hardship grant
If you are in receipt of Council Tax Support you do not need to contact the council, this will be awarded automatically.
If your income is currently reduced, you may be able to claim help towards your Council Tax. Further information and our online claim form is available at www.swale.gov.uk/ctax-support-scheme
Business rate relief
Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors
Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will pay no business for the financial year 2020-21. Following guidance published by the Government, we have identified businesses that qualify for the retail discount and are working to get your bills recalculated and sent out in the next few weeks.
Childcare providers
To support nurseries during this time, the Government has decided that providers of childcare who are Ofsted registered will pay no business rates for 2020-21. We will be provided with more information about this shortly and will send new business rates bills to those affected as soon as possible.
Business grants
The Government has made cash grants available to support small businesses and businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through the period of disruption caused by coronavirus.
Only one grant can be awarded per property.
Small business grant
The small business grant is a support payment of £10,000 for small businesses. To qualify for this grant, the business must:
• have been liable for businesses rates on the property on 11th March 2020
• have qualified for small business rate relief or rural rate relief on 11th March 2020
• have a rateable value of under £15,000.
Retail, hospitality and leisure grant
The retail, hospitality and leisure grant is a support payment for businesses with a rateable value of less than £51,000 who are eligible for the expanded retail discount.
• Businesses with a rateable value of up to £15,000 will receive a grant of £10,000.
• Businesses with a rateable value between £15,001 and £50,999 will receive a grant of £25,000.
To qualify for this grant, the business must:
• have been liable for business rates on the property on 11th March 2020
• have qualified for the expanded retail discount on 11th March 2020, had the scheme been in place on this date
• have a rateable value of under £51,000.
We are currently working on system issues to enable us to make these payments.
Swale Borough Council
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