Final Phase of Discretionary Business Grants Scheme Launched

Tendring District Council (TDC) has now launched a new and final phase of its Discretionary Business Grants Fund Scheme – with applications invited up to mid-night on the 28 August.

The scheme remains open to all those who would have been eligible under the previous phases of the scheme who may not yet have applied. There is also a continued focus on the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, but this phase of the scheme removes the rateable value threshold of £51k enabling more businesses in these sectors to apply.

In a drive to get the district back to business, the final phase of the scheme also sees a departure from the national criteria set out by the Government, which may have been one of the more limiting factors in earlier phases. Although TDC will still prioritise businesses that meet the national criteria, additional local discretion can now be applied to enable applications from businesses who may not be able to meet all of the national criteria, but who have still been adversely affected by the COVID 19 crisis.

Applicants should read the revised policy which is available on the TDC’s website to avoid potential disappointment if the eligibility criteria isn’t met and are therefore turned down later in the process.

Once the closing date of 28 August has passed, all applications will be assessed and those who have been successful should see payments made into their bank accounts as soon as possible after this date. Applications can be made via www.tendringdc.gov.uk/discretionary_business_grant

Applicants who applied under previous phases of the scheme, will have their application automatically rolled forward and considered against the new scheme criteria.

Mary Newton, TDC Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Growth, encouraged all eligible businesses to apply.

“This is the final opportunity for businesses to access vital COVID-19 support funding. It is hoped that changes to the policy will allow funding to reach as many business as possible.”

“We want the whole district to get back to business and these grants can help secure jobs and livelihoods of so many people who choose to live and work here in Tendring”