COVID-19 Update – 4 May – Additional grants for small businesses and more

The Government announced that the local business grant funds scheme would receive a 5% top-up aimed at closing the support gap for businesses that don’t qualify for the existing business rates relief. Recipients must be able to demonstrate that they have seen a significant drop in income due to coronavirus restriction measures.

The Government has asked local authorities to prioritise:

• businesses in shared spaces
• regular market traders
• small charity properties that would meet the criteria for Small Business Rates Relief
• bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rate.

However, payments will be made at the local authority’s discretion based on economic need. The maximum grant is £25,000, alongside £10,000 grants and local authority discretion to make payments of any amount under £10,000.

The amount to be received by each local authority will be confirmed this week.

Please note, businesses eligible for current grant schemes will not be eligible for this new one.

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Firms rejected for CJRS due to tax debt urged to reapply by HMRC

HMRC are aware some claims for the Job Retention Scheme have been refused incorrectly due to the employer being in arrears with some of their tax liabilities. They have updated their guidance and are now asking employers that have had a claim rejected to re-apply.

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