DBC grant over £10million to Dartford Businesses

DARTFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL GRANT OVER £10 MILLION TO DARTFORD BUSINESSES

Dartford Borough Council has now paid out over £10Million in Government grants to hundreds of businesses affected by Coronavirus. Nearly 75% of eligible businesses in the Borough have now received their grant and Government figures reveal that the Council is performing well in processing applications and paying grants to the businesses that need them. Following the Government’s launch of financial measures to support local businesses, Dartford Borough Council says that around 1,100 local enterprises qualify for a share of nearly £14Million. It’s not too late to apply and the Council is urging any business owner who thinks they may be entitled to help to come forward. The Council welcomes applications for three main grant schemes: Councillor Avtar Sandhu said: “This is money that can make the difference between extinction and survival for some businesses and I have asked that applications are processed without delay. I am delighted that we seem to be ahead of many local authority areas when it comes to getting money to local businesses but it seems that some firms have not yet applied and others have yet to respond with the details we need to transfer the money. I urge them to contact the business rates team on 01322 343008. “We know this is a very worrying time for everyone and that it is having an impact on businesses, employers and employees. These grants are aimed at helping keep companies in business during the current crisis, with the intention to protect jobs, prevent business closure and promote economic recovery.”

Scheme 1 - £10,000 for small businesses who receive Small Business Rate Relief Scheme 2 - £10,000 for qualifying businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with rateable values of £15,000 or less Scheme 3 - £25,000 for qualifying businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with rateable values over £15,000 but under £51,000 In addition to the three grant schemes, Dartford has implemented the Extended Retail Discount Scheme, applying discounts totalling £58.5Million to qualifying businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. So far 701 qualifying businesses have benefitted from this discount, having no business rates to pay for 2020/2021. So far Dartford Borough Council has made 828 grant payments to the value to £10.3 Million making it one of the best performing Councils in the area. If you have not already applied for the grant, then you can submit your grant application via the Council’s website at https://www.dartford.gov.uk/by-category/ business2/business-support-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19-business-advice If eligible applicants make sure all necessary supporting information is provided promptly Dartford Borough Council says it will process applications quickly and release funding. In partnership with the Kent and Medway Growth Hub, Dartford Borough Council are providing a dedicated support line 0333 360 2300 for businesses in Dartford - Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm - where they can speak to someone who will assist them with accessing support and provide advice on HMG measures (including the HMRC). Sound guidance and advice around key topics such as crisis management, cash flow / debt management and staff retention strategies is also available.

Making sure the grants reach the bank accounts of Dartford businesses promptly and accurately is something the Council’s Lead Member for Business and Enterprise feels strongly about. For more information please contact press@dartford.gov.uk or call 01322 343225.