Thousands of businesses across Greater Manchester can claim business rate relief from the council, but the deadline is fast approaching. The funding, offering financial help with business rates for companies across Greater Manchester is part of the £1.5 billion government package to support businesses affected by Covid.
The scheme could pay up to 100 per cent of the business rates for 2021/22 for businesses in the region, but around 60 per cent of the fund is currently unclaimed.
The types of businesses which are eligible for the relief fund include Outdoor advertising car park operators, charities, recycling businesses, language schools and some others. However, many properties within the hospitality and entertainment sector are not eligible.
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To receive funding from the the Covid-19 additional relief fund (CARF), businesses must be able to prove that they have been negatively affected by Covid-19. In Manchester the deadline for the support is April 15 2022 however the deadlines and criteria for application differ across the 10 boroughs.
Some schemes have already closed, including Bolton, Oldham, Trafford, and Salford. However, some of these schemes may be being extended so it is worth checking out the individual council websites.
Meanwhile, Rochdale will close on April 11, Bury on April 30, Stockport on April 15, Tameside has been extended until September 16 and Wigan has not yet opened their CARF scheme.
As of yesterday, only 40 per cent of the fund had been allocated to businesses and with some closing dates looming, the council are suggesting that businesses who are eligible for the scheme should apply as soon as possible.
If receiving the award of payment puts the rate account into credit, the credit could be used to offset any other outstanding business rates liability, or the 2022/23 business rates bill or could be refunded by the council.
Please click below to apply for business rate relief from each of the Greater Manchester boroughs which are still actively open:
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