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<p>The Government has announced that up to £617 million is being made available to
Local Authorities in England to allow them to provide discretionary grants as part
of the suite of Business Support grants supporting businesses and local economies
across England. Guidance, intended to support Local Authorities in administering the
Discretionary Grants Fund, was published 13<sup>th</sup> May.</p><p>Guidance here:
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding</a></p><p>
</p><p>This will not replace existing guidance for the Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF)
or the Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).</p><p>Guidance here: <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-business-support-grant-funding-guidance-for-businesses"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-business-support-grant-funding-guidance-for-businesses</a></p><p>
</p><p>The 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. We are asking local authorities to prioritise businesses in shared
spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria
for Small Business Rates Relief, and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather
than business rates.</p><p> </p><p>Local Authorities are responsible for defining
precise eligibility for this fund and may choose to make payments to other businesses
based on local economic need, subject to those businesses meeting the specific eligibility
criteria. Businesses seeking information should refer to their Local Authority for
further information on their discretionary scheme. Businesses already in receipt of
the SBGF, RHLGF or Self-employed Income Support Scheme are not eligible.</p>
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