News Support for businesses - £9.7 million paid out

Maidstone Borough Council has now paid out more than £9.7 million to small businesses that qualify for the government grants.

In total £28 million is due to be awarded to local businesses in the Maidstone Borough who pay business rates and meet the criteria for the government grants. With 775 businesses so far being paid, who should receive their money within the next few days.

Of the 2,200 eligible businesses, there have been 1260 claims so far. All eligible businesses that qualify have been written to and an online form created for them to make claims.

Stephen McGinnes, Director of Mid Kent Services at Maidstone Borough Council said:

“Our Business, Benefits and Finance teams have been working tirelessly to process these grants, doing everything we can to ensure the money due to these small businesses is paid as quickly as possible.

“There are still at least 940 businesses yet to claim, we urge them to apply using our online form as soon as they can. This money is to help them survive.”

All local businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors will pay no business rates in 2020-21.

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value over £15,000 and under £51,000 will receive a cash grant of £25,000.

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable of £15,000 or under will receive a cash payment of £10,000.

All businesses in receipt of small business rates relief and rural rate relief – regardless of sector – will be eligible for a cash payment of £10,000.

In addition a new hotline service for businesses has been set up through the Kent and Medway Growth Hub: 03333 602300.

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