Decision details

On 25 March 2021 the Government announced a new Covid 19 Additional Relief Fund of £1.5b – guidance for the scheme was issued on 15 December 2021.  The funding is available to support businesses affected by the pandemic that are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates. 

RESOLVED –

1.    That the Covid Assistance Relief Scheme (Appendix A) be approved.

2.    That subject to overall funding allocation, delegated authority be given to the Interim Head of Revenues and Benefits to make such adjustments as necessary to awards within the scheme be approved.

To exclude certain businesses including those business sectors and property types that are less likely to be have been adversely affected by the pandemic and deliver the balance of funding through a direct award to all remaining businesses in the borough.  This would provide for a reduction of 35%.

This would provide the necessary balance between keeping the scheme as open as possible and the level of individual awards awarded. 

To exclude certain businesses and distribute the balance of funding through a direct award to all remaining businesses within the borough.  Such an approach would provide for a reduction of 8%. 

Do nothing – The funds would then be returned to Government and no additional support would be provided to local businesses.

No conflicts of interest were declared by any Member who was consulted in respect of this decision.