Bedford businesses forced to close during lockdown paid £6.5 million

Bedford Borough Council has paid £6.5million to local businesses that have had to close during lockdown.

The automatic payment made on Friday (15 January) is to support businesses with their premises costs and is funded by the Government.

Businesses should receive their share of the grant over the next few days.

“We are paying £6.5 million out to local businesses automatically so that this vital support can reach them as quickly as possible,” said Cllr Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance.

“If you run a business that has premises costs and have had to close or been badly impacted by the lockdown but have not received a grant from us before, please get in touch with the Council via a quick and easy online form on the Council’s website.”

Businesses with premises costs who have not had to close but have been adversely impacted by the lockdown, like those who supply the leisure or hospitality sectors, are also asked to contact the Council via the form at bedford.gov.uk/bsg

These grants are only available to businesses that have business premises costs.

Business operated from a person’s home, including garages and outbuildings, are not eligible but other additional support, such as self-employed income support grants, may be available directly from the Government.

Details of those grants can be found at gov.uk.

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