Over £2m in Business Support Grants already paid to Havering businesses
Businesses in Havering have already received £2.3 million in grant money, as part of the government’s unprecedented support for businesses during the Covid 19 crisis.
The Business Support Grants, available to businesses in receipt of either Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) or Retail Discount Relief, are designed to help businesses that are struggling due to loss of earnings.
Over 200 local businesses have already benefited from cash grants to see them through the crisis, with applications being processed daily by the Council.
Havering Council was given £40.5 million by the government to distribute to eligible businesses across the borough.
The Council recognises the importance of these vital grants for business but also needs to make sure that the money is only paid to the right people, and to the correct bank account. A number of checks need to be made, with hundreds of cases to process.
Where the Council has been certain of the right details, they have already sent the money through to bank accounts, subject to the usual BACS processing timescales and any delays caused by the bank holidays.
Havering hopes to have all payments made by next Friday, however, some more complex cases may be delayed.
Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“We understand that this is a challenging time for businesses across the country, and I would like to reassure local businesses that we are working hard to ensure you receive your grants as quickly as possible.
“We have been given a huge sum of public money to support businesses, but it is our responsibility to ensure that money goes to the right people, which means carrying out proper checks throughout the process.
“I would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding at this time, and please refrain from contacting us to chase your claim, as this could hold up the process further.”