BUSINESSES across Stratford District have been signing up to receive nearly £2million in business rate support.
The district council launched its Discretionary Business Rates Grant scheme on June 8 and so far nearly 150 applications have been received.
It is the latest support being offer by the council, which has so far paid out more than £30million to some 2,500 businesses affected by the pandemic.
Its will help businesses including bed and breakfasts which pay council tax, small businesses in shared offices and market traders with fixed building costs.
Other businesses affected by the outbreak can also apply, including those who are reliant on tourism in the district.
Council leader Tony Jefferson said: “The Discretionary Business Rates Grant Scheme is a welcome addition to the support we can offer to local businesses. However, £1.7 million may sound a lot but it will not satisfy all the needs.
“The good news is that applications are coming in from right across the district. As usual with central government initiatives, ‘discretionary’ means within pretty tight limits and we have to report back frequently on progress which has to be fast.”
Visit www.stratford.gov.uk/dbrgrant to apply or find out more.