New funding available for local businesses affected by COVID-19

Local businesses that did not qualify for payments from the Government to help them get through the COVID-19 pandemic are being invited to apply for new rate relief support as part of a further allocation of money received by Cannock Chase Council from the Government.
The funding, available now, is part of the Government’s COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund, known as CARF. This has been in operation since the height of the pandemic and has included business grants or rate reliefs.
The funding is aimed at local businesses; primarily in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors who were unable to trade because of the COVID-19 restrictions. Eligible businesses must be based in the Cannock Chase District and have been in business and liable for business rates as of 1 April 2021. They must be able to demonstrate that their business has been severely impacted by COVID-19.
Councillor Mike Sutherland, Portfolio Leader for District and High Street Development said: “The Council recognises that businesses are facing all sorts of pressures at the moment. For many they are still trying to recover from the pandemic. This new and welcome funding is designed to reduce some of the financial challenges we know have inflicted local shops, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers who have been hit hard.
“To ensure no eligible business misses out we have already written to 700 businesses in these sectors to tell them about the new funding and how to apply. But if there are other business who think they might qualify, they should urgently check out the Council’s website for further information.”
For specific details on who can and cannot apply and an application form, local businesses should go to https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/business/business-rates. All applications must be submitted no later than 15 September.
Photograph:
Councillor Mike Sutherland, Portfolio Holder for District and High Street Development.