The Government announced earlier in March that all businesses that received full Small Business Rate Relief would qualify for a £10,000 grant (non-repayable). There is now more news on this scheme, and for Folkestone and Hythe businesses a form to complete to claim the payment.

Please note that I will link ONLY to the Folkestone and Hythe District Council website here for security to reassure you I'm not operating a scam.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council are granting free parking permits for registered carers and pharmacists - on top of those already provided for NHS staff and doctors.

Free permits will also be issued to those involved in the volunteer community support hubs set up by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.

Further to the Governments announcements last Friday, we have further updated our www.Folkestone.works website with information and links. The key points are summarised below.

• For UK workers of any employer placed on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the government will pay up to 80% of a worker's wages, up to a total of £2,500 per worker each month. These will be backdated to 1st March, will be initially open for 3 months and may be extended if necessary.
• VAT payments due between now and the end of June will be deferred. No VAT registered business will have to make a VAT payment normally due with their VAT return to HMRC in that period. Income tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021
• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, launched at Budget, will now be interest free for twelve months.
• A £10,000 grant payment for businesses in properties in receipt of rural rate relief or small business rates relief on 11th March, including those in receipt of tapered relief, will be eligible for.
• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties qualifying for retail discount on 11th March will be entitled to either, £10,000 where the RV is £15,000 or less or £25,000 where the RV is greater than £15,000 and less than £51,000.
• All grant payments will be made directly to businesses by the local authorities and no business needs to apply for these grants. The Government is aiming to make this funding available to local authorities for payment in early April.

In Folkestone and Hythe District, three Community Support Hubs are being set up for both those that NEED help due to COVID-19 issues over the next few weeks, and those OFFERING it. There have been a HUGE number of people wanting to help, and the Support Hubs (which should offer phone numbers, email and online forms) will be the place to do so.

A number of local businesses have asked me if I know anything more about the Small Business Rate Relief Grants of £10,000 recently announced by the Chancellor.

I only have access to the same information as everyone else, but the Government's website appears to have a little more detail on it today, as below. Key takeaways are: it is £10,000 for eligible businesses (not "up to"), there is no need to apply (but I'd watch for communication from your Council) and the money should be available from some time in early April...