The Discretionary Grant Fund

Date: 03/06/20

The Discretionary Grant Fund

Small and micro businesses with fixed property costs that are not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund (of £10,000 grant) or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (of £25,000) may be eligible for the Discretionary Grants Scheme.

Funding has been provided to local councils for the Discretionary Grants which aims to support those that missed out on the previous two grants. You may be eligible for a grant of £25,000, £10,000 or any amount under £10,000 but the amount given is at the council’s own discretion so amounts may vary depending on your who your local authority is.

You’re potentially eligible if your business:

  • is based in England
  • has fewer than 50 employees
  • has fixed building costs such as rent
  • was trading on 11 March 2020
  • has been adversely impacted by the coronavirus

The Government funding provided to each council is a finite amount. Councils have discretion about how to prioritise this funding so that they can ensure those most in need get the required support.

Businesses which may be given priority include:

  • small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces, such as units in industrial parks or incubators
  • regular market traders
  • bed and breakfasts paying council tax instead of business rates
  • charity properties getting charitable business rates relief, which are not eligible for small business rates relief or rural rate relief

You cannot apply if you’re already claiming under another Government grant scheme, such as:

  • Small Business Grant Fund
  • Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant
  • Fisheries Response Fund
  • Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme
  • Zoos Support Fund
  • Dairy Hardship Fund

The Discretionary Grant Fund counts towards state aid.

Each council will also have different opening and closing dates for applications. To date we have seen closing dates varying between 15 June 20 to 30 June 20 so it is important that you check with your local council as soon as possible.

For more information you should consult the link for your local council.

Lancaster City Council -

https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/coronavirus-information/local-authority-discretionary-grants-fund-guidance

South Lakeland District Council -

https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/business-and-trade/coronavirus-covid-19-business-support-grants/

Fylde Borough Council -

https://new.fylde.gov.uk/dbgf/

Wyre Council -

https://www.wyre.gov.uk/CoronavirusBusinessSupport

 

As at the date of publication Blackpool Council and Craven District Council are not yet taking applications but you can still register your interest by visiting:-

Blackpool Council -

https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Business/Business-rates/Business-Support-Grant.aspx

Craven District Council -

https://www.cravendc.gov.uk/news/news-archive-folder/may-2020/funding-for-more-craven-businesses-is-on-its-way/


Paul Wilkinson FCA

Author: Paul Wilkinson FCA

A former pupil at Lancaster Grammar School, Paul moved away from the area and completed his training with KPMG in Birmingham, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1989.  He returned to Lancaster and joined Scott &...

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