Business businesses to get support grants as town goes into Tier Three

With the announcement that Bedford will enter Tier Three 'Very High' Alert level from tomorrow (Saturday, December 19), businesses which have to close will be receiving a business support grant.

These grants are set and funded by the Government at a national level and administered by the council.

If your business received a grant from the council due to the recent national lockdown because your business was required to close, and your business is required to close again under the Tier 3 restrictions a further grant will be paid automatically. These businesses have already been contacted by the council to let them know when to expect their grant.

The council will send the grants automatically by bank transfer on Monday, December 21, which means they should be in bank accounts by Wednesday, December 23.

The amount businesses will receive is based on their rateable value:

*Businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or less will receive £667

*Business with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 will receive £1,000

*Business with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or above will receive £1,500

Also, if a business ratepayer believes they are eligible for this grant funding but didn't receive a grant during the last lockdown they are asked to fill out the online form here which will be available from Monday, December 21.

Cllr Michael Headley, portfolio holder for finance, said “We know that these Covid-19 restrictions and closures are having a drastic impact on local businesses, and by getting these grants out automatically we are helping businesses access this vital support funding as quickly as possible.”