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Businesses in South and Vale urged to submit COVID-19 grant requests

Released on April 20, 2020

Businesses in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse that are yet to submit their details for grant support in response to COVID-19 are being urged to do so as soon as possible.

More than 65 per cent of businesses based in southern Oxfordshire have already submitted their details and South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council have promised all those who have done so, and are eligible for support, that they will receive their grant money by 30 April. 

However, with just under 35 per cent of businesses still to submit their details, the councils are urging all those who haven’t already done so, and who need funding support, to go to their respective council’s website and complete the online form.

So far more than 2,500 businesses have submitted their details for the grants which are available to help those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.  By the close of play on Monday 20 April, the two councils will have paid out more than £15million in grant funding to local businesses.

For more information and to confirm your eligibility for a Small Business Grant please go to:

Cllr Leigh Rawlins, Cabinet Member for Finance at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We know this is an extremely challenging and worrying time for many people. However, we would urge business owners who are struggling and have not submitted their details for the available grant to get in touch.”

Cllr Andy Crawford, Cabinet Member for Finance at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Our team is working hard to provide urgent assistance to businesses badly affected by the pandemic. Unfortunately, it has affected many businesses very suddenly meaning we’ve had a huge number of submissions to deal with in a very short period of time. We are pleased to say that they are being processed and businesses are starting to receive this funding.”  

Additional information for businesses about the grants

Businesses receiving Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rates Relief who wish to receive grants of £10,000 are required to provide information via the form on their respective council website. Awards will be considered in accordance with government guidelines.

Businesses which are in receipt of the Enhanced Retail Discount for 2020/21 and have a rateable value of up to £15,000 which are not covered by the Small Business Grant Fund will also receive a grant of £10,000, in accordance with Government guidelines. Retail Leisure and Hospitality business properties with a rateable value of up to £50,999 will receive a grant of £25,000.

Businesses are eligible for a grant on more than one property, providing they meet the criteria.  However, they must submit a separate form for each property.

Please note – it may take several days for grant money issued to appear in businesses bank accounts.

If you are self-employed and in urgent need of financial assistance the government has advised that you should apply for Universal Credit GOV.UKThis link will take you to an external website…  and Council Tax Reduction.  This will provide you with support until a grant for the self-employed becomes available in June.