Councils urge Oxfordshire businesses to sign up for grants

Cherwell District Council, Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council are working to ensure that those who are eligible for support receive their money as quickly as possible.

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The councils are contacting businesses directly to remind them to submit their requests and are urging them to go to their respective council’s website and complete the online form.

Businesses which receive 100 per cent rate relief, who therefore do not pay any rates, may still be eligible for this grant and should continue to submit their details if they need financial assistance.

The councils also want to assure all eligible businesses that this grant does not need to be paid back.

Councillor Lynn Pratt, lead member for economy at Cherwell District Council, said: “Coronavirus is putting severe pressure on businesses all over Oxfordshire, but the councils are rising to the challenge set by Government to get this grant funding to them as soon as possible."

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Ten million pounds has now been given out to businesses across Oxford to help them deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Businesses are the lifeblood of Oxford and its economy, and we are doing everything we can to ensure they survive through the coronavirus outbreak.

“We have already written to all small businesses in Oxford to encourage them to apply but we do not have contact details for all eligible businesses, so it is vital that they contact us.

“If you operate a business in Oxford and would like to apply for grant funding, please visit: oxford.gov.uk/supportforbusiness.”

For more information go to gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support.