Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in Neath Port Talbot are to get a 100% discount on business rates for 2020/21 to help them during the coronavirus outbreak. Details have also been announced of the grants available for small businesses.
The package of support from Welsh Government includes:
- 100% business rates discount for 2020/21 for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses. This discount will apply to all businesses with a rateable value of £500,000 or less. Businesses that fit the criteria have already been awarded the discount and will shortly receive an amended Business Rates Bill showing a nil balance.
- £10,000 grant to all businesses that are in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief.
- £25,000 grant will be available to businesses that meet the criteria of retail, leisure and hospitality with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000.
Business eligible for the grants will be receiving letters shortly asking them to apply online. Payments will be made via BACS as soon as possible following the completion of verification checks. Some businesses may be contacted to provide additional information for verification purposes.
Business owners who are self-isolating should make alternative arrangements by emailing business.rates@npt.gov.uk .
Councillor Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:
“This is a critical time for many local businesses, particularly for those that have had to close to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“In addition to the business rates discount for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, there will be two grant schemes to support small businesses that will be administered by the Council. We will be contacting eligible businesses from today to let them know what they must do to make a claim.
“We know this is a very worrying time for everyone and that it is having an impact on businesses, employers and employees. I would like to thank all businesses for what they are doing to protect the health of our communities, and we are doing everything we can to ensure these payments are being made a soon as possible.”
For the latest Council updates and links to official sources of information, visit: www.npt.gov.uk/coronavirus .
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