Businesses urged to claim outstanding grants as economy moves from crisis to recovery

Earlier this year the Government provided Birmingham City Council with £231 million to distribute Small Business and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants to eligible business as part of the crisis response to COVID-19.

However, as the country moves out of the crisis stage and into recovery, the council is urging any businesses who have yet to submit their details for payment to get in touch urgently.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Last week we saw non-essential retail make a return to Birmingham and from July, we look forward to welcoming the safe return of pubs, restaurants and hospitality to the city. To help businesses as they begin to reopen, we want to ensure that everyone eligible gets a grant.

“So far we have paid £188.15 million to 15,554 businesses but estimate there are about 1,500 more eligible business which could will miss out if they do not come forward with their details. These grants do not need to be repaid and could prove to be a vital lifeline for eligible businesses who have suffered extreme hardship due to lockdown.

“Our teams are doing everything that they can to reach out to any outstanding businesses, but businesses must ensure they also come to us or risk missing out altogether.”

The Government announced payments of £10,000 through the Small Business Grant, and funding of either £10,000 or £25,000 through the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant, depending upon the business’s rateable value.

Eligible Businesses do not need to apply, they only need to complete the council’s online form to enable officers to obtain the relevant information to process payments.

For more information on the grant funds, or to submit business details for payment, please visit https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/xfp/form/714. Alternatively, to contact the council directly call 0121 303 5509 or email business_rates@birmingham.gov.uk