The Government has announced a series of measures to support businesses for the period of disruption caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19). From 27 March 2020, the systems are in place and the support schemes are now live for Southampton City Council to deliver business rates relief and grant funding to local businesses in Southampton. These business support measures come in to effect as many companies across Southampton have lost income or are being forced to close due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Councillor Stephen Barnes-Andrews, Cabinet Member for Resources at Southampton City Council, said: “These are difficult and unprecedented times and understandably many businesses are very concerned about the impact that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may be having on their business. “We want to reassure businesses that we will be doing all we can to support them, all of which can be found on our website. We hope the Government support schemes will go some way to helping local business. I’m pleased to say that the council will now be facilitating getting qualified businesses their grant funding and also applying their business rate relief to their next bill.” Southampton City Council will be delivering the following to local businesses: Business Rates for Retail, Hospitality, Leisure Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will not have to pay business rates for the 2020-21 tax year. This reduction will be applied automatically to businesses bills by 1 April. If businesses have not received an amended bill by the 3 April 2020 they should email business.rates@southampton.gov.uk. Grant funding • Small Business Grant Funding The Government is providing additional funding to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBRR). This will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to help meet their ongoing business costs. Businesses can find out more and apply here • Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector, will receive a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property. Businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of under £15,000 will receive a grant of £10,000. Businesses with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £51,000 will receive a grant of £25,000. Businesses can find out more and apply here Other business Government support schemes currently available include: • Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme • Statutory Sick Pay Rebate • Time to Pay • COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility • VAT Deferral • Income Tax Deferral for the Self-Employed More about these national schemes can be found at: www.businesssupport.gov.uk. Southampton City Council has published further information for business at www.southampton.gov.uk/coronavirus