Final call: Last chance to get Covid-19 business grants as Government scheme set to close

Since March, the council has encouraged eligible businesses to complete the simple online form as swiftly as possible in order to get their grants, with just over £30m so far paid out to assist 2,722 businesses in the borough.

The council's promotional work has included sending letters to the 3,000 businesses thought to be eligible, phone calling and visits to premises, press releases and media interviews, social media campaigns and e-shots to local business groups. 

With the Government closing its scheme on Friday, August 28, the council is making a final call for completed forms from businesses which might be eligible for either:

• A Small Business Rate Relief Grant of £10,000
• A Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant of either £10,000 or £25,000, dependent on rateable value.

Under the Government's rules, the claim must come from the ratepayer, and they must have been trading on March 11, 2020 to be eligible. A business may be eligible if they are in receipt of small business rates relief, or have a rateable value under £51,000 and their business is within the retail, hospitality or leisure trade. Even if a company's liability is already covered through small business rate relief, they may still be eligible for a grant. 

Visit www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-businesses for the link to the online form, information and support about the grants, eligibility criteria and further business advice.

Cllr Carl Smith, the council leader, said: "We know these Government grants have been a lifeline for many businesses, and we've done everything we possibly can to promote the scheme and encourage businesses to check their eligibility and complete the claim form.

"An incredible £20m was paid out locally within the first three weeks of the scheme going live, which is testament to the sterling work of council officers who are continuing to phone and visit those that might be eligible to ensure they're aware of the opportunity and the national deadline. We don't want any eligible businesses in our borough to miss out, so we're continuing to promote and we're making a final call for completed forms."