Hartlepool council chiefs say helping businesses hit by coronavirus is their top priority

Hartlepool Borough Council says hundreds of businesses in town stand to benefit from a package of government financial support announced this week in response to the national emergency.

On Monday, the Government announced business rates support and grant funding intended to help the most-affected firms manage their cash flow through this period.

A number of grants and support will be administered by the council.

Around 1,300 Hartlepool businesses could apply for Small Business Rate Relief grants which have increased from £3,000 to £10,000.

And approximately 220 town retail, hospitality, leisure businesses and childcare providers and nurseries will not have to pay business rates for the next 12 months.

Council leader Councillor Shane Moore said: “We recognise the coronavirus outbreak poses significant challenges for businesses in Hartlepool and I hope the steps we are outlining will be of some reassurance to people.

“Supporting Hartlepool companies during this period is a top priority for us and the measures we have set out show Hartlepool Borough Council will support businesses as best as we can through this turbulent time.

“We are writing to all businesses using our Business Rates database but we would also encourage all businesses to ensure we have their correct contact details.”

The council says it won’t be collecting any direct debit payments from businesses that qualify for the 12 month business rate ‘holiday’ this financial year.

It adds: “We will continue to work with any businesses that don’t benefit from the national support arrangements to agree affordable Business Rate instalment arrangements.”

Grants of up to £25,000 have also been announced for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises, with a rateable value over £15,000 and below £51,000.

The council says it is waiting for detailed regulations from the government and will move as quickly as possible to make payments.

It is also changing its arrangements so that local suppliers can be paid faster than the current target of 10 days.

The council will aim to make a payment as soon as an invoice has been authorised.

And other suppliers will be paid as soon as invoices has been authorised.