The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed the Government’s funding support for communities and business affected by Storm Babet and is urging retailers to take advantage of the scheme.
The measures, announced this week by communities secretary Michael Gove and environment secretary Therese Coffey, include a range of financial aid and support initiatives aimed at alleviating the immediate burdens on small businesses of flooding.
The measures announced include:
• Households and businesses significantly impacted by the recent flooding will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months;
• Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant scheme to help them return to business as usual;
• Eligible flood-hit property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their premises more resilient to future flooding through the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.
Bira chief executive Andrew Goodacre (pictured) commented: “We are glad to see the support assures being put in place so quickly for much-needed relief to small businesses grappling with the consequences of the destructive storm.
“Support needs to be made available quickly and the money allocated to affected businesses as a matter of urgency as retailers are now approaching what is traditionally the busiest time of the year.”
Goodacre added: “It’s also important for organisations such as ours to disseminate critical information such as this further to get the message out to all that need it and we hope they get back on their feet soon.” Support will be made available through local councils who will announce further details on eligibility and how to apply.