Ensure all allocated Covid business grant money is spent on supporting local economies

Ensure all allocated Covid business grant money is spent on supporting local economies

Started
20 May 2020
Petition to
Signatures: 426Next Goal: 500
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Why this petition matters

Started by John Bownas

Small businesses need financial help - now!

There is still some £2.5 billion in unused business grants being held by English local authorities. This money is vital to help those who are not covered by existing or proposed funding criteria. We call on the government to allow councils to use 100% of their existing allocations to creatively help save and rebuild their local economies. Without this help many hundreds of thousands of small businesses may fail or be stifled.

This is money that has already been set aside to help save the economy, so no further spending is required.

Businesses that we would like to see included in the grants eligibility criteria: 

  • Small businesses with more than one rateable building or suite.
  • Larger businesses which are closed but have not received a grant (particularly those in the leisure and hospitality industries)
  • Businesses that pay rates as part of their rent.
  • Businesses that operate in shared spaces with other businesses including but not exclusively:
    • Those renting desk space in shared co-hub facilities
    • Financial advisers working out of estate agents
    • Beauticians renting space in salons
    • Businesses renting a pitch in a larger retail outlet
    • Small businesses operating from home
    • Market stalls and outside catering units trading in varied outside locations such as festivals or high streets, or in covered markets
  • Event companies without fixed office space including but not exclusively:
    • Event Health & Safety and First Aid provision
    • Marshalls and steward providers
    • Audio visual providers
    • Event management and promotion
  • Small creative businesses, including sole trader performers and entertainers
  • Entertainment providers
  • Driving schools
  • Training providers
  • Business support membership organisations

We also call for a minimum grant level of £5,000 to be adopted.

 

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Signatures: 426Next Goal: 500
Support now
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