Portsmouth City Council to offer national government grants for businesses struggling in lockdown

BUSINESSES struggling in lockdown are being encouraged to seek help from the council and their MP, as the government begins to roll out hardship grants.
Cascades Shopping Centre, in Portsmouth's Commercial Road. Picture: Sarah Standing (150620-9879)Cascades Shopping Centre, in Portsmouth's Commercial Road. Picture: Sarah Standing (150620-9879)
Cascades Shopping Centre, in Portsmouth's Commercial Road. Picture: Sarah Standing (150620-9879)

Portsmouth City Councils and other local authorities across the area are administering Local Restrictions Grants, available to closed businesses even if they offer a click-and-collect or take-away service.

A company that has been able to remain open in lockdown in some capacity can claim from the Additional Restrictions grant if their business has been severely impacted by lockdown. This could include those in the supply chain of these businesses that have had to close due to the lockdown or those who do not pay businesses rates.

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The application forms for these grants will become available on council websites in the next fortnight.

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Portsmouth City Council has a team that will help business owners claim the grants, according to Councillor Steve Pitt, cabinet member for culture, leisure and economic development and deputy leader.

He said: ‘ We understand this is a time of great uncertainty for businesses in the city, and we are doing everything in our power to make sure they get the help they need to keep going and continue to serve local people in any way they can, safely and legally.

‘If you're a local business and you're struggling, please contact us. I understand it's frustrating for everyone at the moment, and want to thank you for following the guidelines.’

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Responding to The News’s report on the plight of closed independent traders across the city, the chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association called on business owners to contact their MP.

Chief executive Andrew Goodacre said: ‘I'm pleased to say that we have regular discussions with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the business minister Paul Scully. I think they are listening, but I'm not sure there is a lot the minister can do on his own.

‘Portsmouth businesses must write to their MP. There is clearly dissent within the government about the lockdown's impact on the county.’

Portsmouth City Council’s business support helpline is open Monday to Friday on 023 9284 1641.

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