"We understand the significant impact the Covid-19 outbreak has had on businesses in Waltham Forest and we are determined to do everything we can to support you through this extremely tough period.
"We would urge those who are eligible for government grants to submit their details as soon as possible - You can find detailed information on how to submit details online below."
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES ELIGIBLE FOR A GOVERNMENT GRANT
The council now has the funds and guidance necessary to distribute £54 million of grants to support certain small businesses through the Coronavirus pandemic.
The scheme provides small businesses with a grant of up to £25,000 but to access the grant, businesses may need to provide the council with details, including payment information.
The council will be writing to all eligible businesses this week, but we acknowledge that business owners may not be visiting their premises at this time and will also want to access these grants quickly.
We are therefore providing an online form for completion by those businesses who understand themselves to be eligible. Please ensure you understand and meet the eligibility criteria below, before submitting details.
NOTE: If you currently pay your business rates to the council by direct debit, you do not need to complete the form . The council already has the details needed to pay you automatically, straight into your bank account. The Council will write to you once we have processed the payment.
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Government grants are only available to businesses operating from a premises with a rateable value below £51,000. One of two grants are available and eligibility is based on the rateable value and the sector of the business.
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Businesses with a property that has a rateable value of up to £15,000 will receive a grant of £10,000.
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Businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, with a property wholly or mainly used for these purposes, that has a rateable value of over £15,000 and below £51,000 will receive a grant of £25,000.
A full list of premises classed as retail, leisure and hospitality can be found here (sections 10 -17) and includes shops, cinemas, restaurants, museums, art galleries, theatres, gyms, small hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses, sports clubs, night clubs, drinking establishments, club houses, live music venues, opticians, estate agents, letting agents, and bingo halls.
If you are unsure of the rateable value of your property, you can check it on your business rate bill or here.
The grant will be paid to the person who, according to council records, was the ratepayer in respect of the property on 11 March 2020.
An FAQ has been published by government that may answer any further questions you have about the grants and eligibility.
Businesses not eligible for a grant
If a business is not registered for business rates, they will unfortunately not receive one of these government grants.
If your business does not occupy commercial property, as described by the eligibility criteria, then unfortunately you do not qualify for the grant scheme.
Businesses that have exceeded state aid limits are also not eligible for the scheme. This restriction is explained fully within the form.
Ineligible businesses may be able to access other government support detailed here.
Counter fraud measures
Please make yourself fully aware of the eligibility criteria using the links provided above and note, that if you knowingly provide information that is incorrect or incomplete, or knowingly make a false declaration, then you may be liable for prosecution and other action, including full recovery of any grant paid.
Using the information provided by you, we will carry out due diligence checks to ensure your business qualifies. Payments will be made to those who qualify by BACS. We will also write to you, stating the reasons, if your business does not qualify.
Please also beware of third parties offering to act on your behalf for a fee. The process is free, straightforward and only requires you to provide information already available to you. Businesses should not need to pay third parties to access a grant.
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The Council’s website provides a guide to what’s available based on your circumstances and further information on the full range of government business advice, including its COVID-19 response, can be found here.
The London Growth Hub has produced fact sheets and a business checklist, that businesses may also find useful, and is providing the opportunity to talk one-to-one with a business adviser.
Support for businesses from outside of government can be found here.
As part of our ongoing offer of guidance and support to local businesses, we have created an enquiry form where you can lodge specific questions.
We will continue to update you as new information is available. We know that this is a fast-moving situation, but we are confident staff will continue to provide support and guidance to local businesses in Waltham Forest.
You can sign up to our email newsletter with up-to-date information about Covid-19 below.
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