Preston City Council Leader urges businesses to seek support

These are unprecedented times and during the Covid19 pandemic the Government announced a series of support measures, including those to support businesses.

Further to the Government’s announcement on 11 March that the £25,000 support grants would be available from early April, our teams have been working through the criteria details.

Small businesses and those in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector (including pubs) with a rateable value up to £51,000 are eligible for this support grant. The form on the council’s website is to gather information and to check eligibility for the grant. The first businesses in Preston to have already completed the form for this grant will see the money paid into bank accounts this week.

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council, said,

“It’s a worrying time for many people and, quite rightly, business owners are looking for help and support during this crisis and as your council we want to get the message out.

“I would encourage all eligible Preston business owners – both small businesses and those in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors to visit our website and complete the form for this vital support grant, which I’m sure will be very welcome in this current uncertainty.”

· Find more details and the information gathering form on the council’s website
· Businesses in Preston will automatically be awarded business rate relief
· Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone. For more information please see prestoncommunitywealth.org