Norwich City Council has made £9.9 million in payments this week to local businesses which have been identified as being eligible for the government’s small business grants fund.

The £9.9 million equates to around 500 grants, with around 2,500 more expected to be processed over the coming days.

Receiving a government grant is a free and automatic service. There is no lengthy application process and no need for businesses to employ any agency or broker.

However, to speed up the payment process, the council is asking businesses who haven’t already done so to fill in an online web form, which can be found at www.norwich.gov.uk/business-support

Alan Waters, leader of Norwich City Council said: “Our Revenues and Benefits team are working incredibly hard to make sure businesses and residents get the financial support they need during this very difficult period.

“We are delighted that the first vital payments have now been paid to help small businesses and retail businesses in the city.

“If you have not had your payment yet please bear with us as we are working very hard to process the grants as soon as we possibly can.”

As part of additional support measures, the council has also actioned a Retail Relief Scheme which means retail, leisure and tourism businesses will pay no business rates in 2020-21, regardless of their rateable value.

Those businesses affected will receive a revised rates bill to confirm that they will not need to pay any rates for 2020-21. Those businesses that pay by Direct Debit and now qualify for the relief will not have a payment taken.

Updated information on the grants and support can be found on the council website.

Free support and advice for all businesses is also available from the New Anglia Growth Hub, www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk

The government financial measures for businesses include:

  • Retail relief extended to 100% for all retail, hospitality and leisure properties (such as museums, theatres, gyms and hotels) for the whole of 2020/21 irrespective of their rateable value
  • A grant for businesses in receipt of small business rate relief (including those with Rateable Value between £12,000 and £15,000 in receipt of tapered relief) on 11 March 2020 will receive £10,000 per business.
  • A grant for businesses in the retail, hospitality sector in receipt of the expanded retail discount with a rateable value of up to £15,000 of £10,000
  • A grant for businesses in the retail, hospitality sector in receipt of the expanded retail discount with a rateable value of more than £15,000 and less than £51,000 of £25,000
  • All premises occupied by providers on Ofsted’s Early Years Register and wholly or mainly used for the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage will receive a 100% for the financial year 2020/21. This is currently expected to be paid in early April. (Properties occupied for personal use will not qualify).

More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/
or www.norwich.gov.uk/business-support