'Apply for grants or lose out' warning as more than £30m goes unclaimed

The District Council is administering the Government’s Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, and has warned that the funding may need to be returned to Government if it goes unclaimed.

So far over £36.4m has been distributed to 3,099 business but the District Council is appealing to businesses yet to claim to do so as soon as possible. The Council’s Business Grants team are also actively working to contact eligible businesses and ensure they are aware of the funding available to them.

Coun Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “We know this is an incredibly difficult time for businesses and we want to ensure all eligible businesses access the funding they are entitled to. We’re very pleased to have been able to distribute as much funding as we have so far. Our team have been working incredibly hard to ensure the grants reach businesses as quickly as possible and we know from the positive feedback we’ve received that they appreciate our efforts.

“However, we also know there are businesses out there who are still yet to submit a claim. Our team are contacting those who haven’t been in touch with us yet, but if you are eligible for one of these grants, you don’t need to wait for us to contact you – the form is available and you can submit a claim now. This is funding the Government have made available to help support your business, there are no strings attached, all you have do is complete a form.”

Eligibility for the schemes is based on rateable values and receipt of Business Rates relief, businesses who believe they may be eligible can find out more detail about the criteria, and submit a grant claim form online at www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/CVBusinessGrants. Alternatively a paper copy of the form can be requested by calling 01507 601111.

More information around support available to businesses affected by the Coronavirus pandemic is available at www.e-lindsey.gov.uk.CVBusiness.