Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund

A few weeks ago the government announced that there would be another grant fund available to those that had missed out on the rates grants. This is a discretionary fund for the local council to administer from guidelines given to them by the government.

The original guidelines for the Local Authority Discretionary Grant however were quite bemusing as one of the criteria excluding people from applying was if they had received or were eligible for SEISS (Self-Employed Income Support Scheme). This in my opinion would have been a ludicrous reason to exclude people from a much needed form of support, in essence it could have meant that businesses would have missed out on a £10,000 grant to help with rent and utility costs because they received, in some cases as low as £10 from SEISS.

Here is a link to the new government guidance : Grant Funding Scheme.

So, the main question again, am I eligible.......?

The government guidance instructs local authorities to prioritise grant support for businesses that fall into four groups: 

Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible work spaces, for example industrial parks, science parks and incubators which do not have their own business rates assessment.    

Regular Market Traders who do not have their own business rates assessment.    

B&Bs which pay Council Tax instead of business rates.    

Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief which would otherwise have been eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rate Relief.      

Businesses not in these groups and unable to access any other form of government funding are strongly encouraged to submit an expression of interest for funding for the Council to consider. This will support the council building a clear, evidence-based, picture of the need for support across Cornwall. They will then continue to lobby Government for additional support beyond the £13.5 million made available at the present time.

You will not be eligible for the Local Authority Discretionary Grants if you have received any of the following:

• Small Business Grant Fund
• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund
• The Fisheries Response Fund
• Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme
• TheZoos Support Fund
• The Dairy Hardship Fund

You are also not eligible for the Local Authority Discretionary Grant if you started trading after 11^th March 2020 or if your business is in administration, insolvent or where a striking-off notice has been made.

Remember to stay positive - we have been receiving a lot of positive and encouraging messages coming back from clients which is great to hear. How they have adapted their business, made little changes and are seeing great results which will mean they are in an even stronger position when we have come out the other side of this crisis. Please do keep them coming in as it brightens up our day. If you would like to feature your business on our blog and get a big shout out on our social media, to show how you have adapted and thrived please get in touch.

Equally, If you would like any help with applying and checking if you are eligible for the Local Authority Discretionary Grant at all, please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to assist you.

All the best
The DL Accounts Team

Further business support you may be interested in: Bounce Back Loans.