Grants available to businesses

If your business in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector has been ordered to close by the government due to the latest coronavirus restrictions, you might qualify for financial support.

The government is once again offering grants to businesses who have had to close to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If your business has been affected, you might be eligible for support through the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG). Full details of which businesses are eligible, and an application form are available online. Eligible businesses include pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops. Businesses based within Ashford borough should apply to Ashford Borough Council for payment.

If your business has not been ordered to close but has been affected as you supply businesses who have had to close, or if you have been ordered to close but do not pay business rates, you may be eligible for a discretionary Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of the Council, said: “These grants were vital for many of the borough’s businesses in the spring, and we know they will be invaluable as we are in these new restrictions. Please read the guidance online and apply if you are eligible. The team will be checking eligibility and there will be additional evidence required. To have your application processed quickly please ensure you include all the required information.”

The LRSG will be paid out at three levels up to a maximum of £3,000 for the 28-day closure period, depending on the rateable value of the business. The ARG will follow the levels paid in the LRSG scheme and for those without a rateable value, rents paid, the size of the business and impact on income will be used to assess which level qualifying businesses will receive.

The council has been made aware of a scam email which is going round inviting people to click a link and make their applications. These are not official notifications. Any email from the council on business grants will come from an ashford.gov.uk email account.

The ARG applications are expected to be open by Friday 20 November. For this grant you will need to provide:

• A statement and evidence of impact;
• Bank statement;
• Business rates account number (where applicable);
• Evidence of supplying closed businesses if still open but impacted by the closures.

If you do not provide all the information there will be a delay in processing your application.

The Kent and Medway Growth Hub is still open to offer advice. You can call 03333 602300 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.