Liverpool City Council has already given out more than £100m in Government COVID-19 grants and says time is running out for those eligible to apply. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool City Council has issued a “final call” to small business to apply for cash from the Government’s COVID-19 support schemes.

Having already given out more than £100m in lifeline grants to small and medium enterprises across the city, the council is keen to make sure that any business that is eligible for a grant, but hasn’t yet claimed, doesn’t miss out.

The closing date for applications to the Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant funds is Friday, August 28. A one-off £10,000 cash grant is available to businesses active as of March 11 and registered for business rates in receipt of small business rate relief (SBRR) with a rateable value of up to £15,000.

A one-off, cash grant of either £10,000 or £25,000 is also available for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses active as of March 11, registered for business rates with a rateable value below £51,000. Qualifying businesses for this specific grant include:

• Shops.
• Cafes, restaurants, takeaways and drinking establishments.
• Cinemas, music venues and nightclubs.
• Petrol stations.
• Gyms, leisure and sports facilities.
• Estate agents and letting agents.
• Betting shops and bingo halls.
• Car showrooms.
• Hotels and guest houses.

Liverpool City Council has already distributed grants to 8,150 businesses  but is now writing to around 950 companies who have yet to apply with a final reminder. The claims process is simple and straightforward and can be found by clicking here.

The council has also given out a further £5 million in discretionary grants to organisations who do not meet the criteria for the Government schemes.

Deputy Mayor and Mayoral lead for business, Cllr Gary Millar, said: “Liverpool really wants every single business that is eligible to apply for this funding. It will help give them a better chance of survival through the pandemic – and that also means keeping more businesses and jobs going.

“We know that the more than £105m we have already distributed has been an absolute lifeline to many thousands of firms and it is vital that every company that can apply, should apply, before time runs out.

“This is money for Liverpool firms that does not have to be paid back by those companies, and has no conditions attached as long as they meet the criteria. But if the money is not claimed we are not allowed to spend it on anything else and will be forced to return it.”