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<p>Retail markets are part of the fabric of towns and cities across the country. With
the current closure of outdoor and indoor markets, with the exception of market stalls
which offer essential retail, such as grocery and food, Government has been working
with key stakeholders in the retail markets industry to monitor the impacts of the
current situation and explore what support is needed. This includes the National Association
of British Market Authorities, with whom officials have active and ongoing engagement,
including through the Retail Markets Forum on 4 May.</p><p>Self-employed market traders
will be able to benefit from the support the Government announced on 26 March for
the self-employed. The self-employed are eligible for a taxable grant worth 80 per
cent of their average monthly profits over the last three years, up to £2,500 per
month, through the coronavirus (Covid-19) Self-employment Income Support Scheme.</p><p>Eligible
market stalls with a rateable value will also benefit from flat rate payments of £10,000
under the grant scheme for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors announced
on 17 March 2020.</p><p>On 1 May 2020 the Business Secretary announced that a further
up to £617 million is being made available to Local Authorities in England to allow
them to provide discretionary grants. This additional Local Authority Discretionary
Grants Fund is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs
but not liable for business rates or rates reliefs, including regular market traders
who do not have their own business rates assessment.</p><p>We agree that retail markets
will have an important role to play in helping the revival of high streets and town
centres in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Government will continue to
work with the retail markets industry to help facilitate this.</p>
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