Pendle Council announces help for businesses

Businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors will receive 100% discount on their business rates in response to the effects of coronavirus on the economy.

The discount which is set for 2020/21 means businesses such as shops including hair and beauty services, cafes and restaurants, cinema and music venues, hotels and B&Bs will not pay any business rates this year.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “Supporting our businesses is absolutely crucial and we’re pleased to be able to offer this much-needed help.

“We know this is a very challenging and worrying time and we hope this will help our businesses get through this unprecedented period of uncertainty.”

If your business is eligible, the discount will automatically be applied so you don’t need to contact us to request it.
And there’s no rateable value limit which means every qualifying business in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector will be supported no matter what size you are.

Councillor Iqbal added: “We’re currently identifying which businesses are eligible.

“We’ll be sending out updated bills which will clearly show that you will get a payment holiday and will not pay business rates for 2020/21.”

Some types of businesses are not eligible for the discount including financial services, medical services, professional and other services such as solicitors, estate agents and letting agents.

The Government is also making grants available to a range of businesses to support them during the current crisis.
These are available to small businesses and those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

“We’re waiting for Government guidance on these grants and will make further information available once we have this.
“But rest assured, we’ll do all we can to ensure that this support reaches qualifying local businesses as soon as we can, “ said Councillor Iqbal.

More information on the measures to help businesses is available on the Government’s dedicated business hub – www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support

And Pendle Council’s website shows what help is available for individuals and businesses and how to get the latest health advice about the coronavirus www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus