Hardship Relief Fund now available!

02/12/09

Birmingham City Council has secured funding to help businesses that are suffering financial hardship during the current economic downturn.

A sum of £500,000 has been pledged by Be Birmingham to be distributed amongst small to medium firms who demonstrate they are suffering extreme hardship. 75% of the award of hardship relief is met by central government, meaning the £500,000 allocated will result in £2 million worth of relief being made available to businesses. At present these awards are only for the current financial year of 2009/10.

Businesses will need to provide evidence that they are sustaining extreme hardship and that Birmingham City Council Tax payers will suffer if hardship relief is not granted. The assistance will seek to secure financial sustainability of small businesses and the consequent continued employment of Birmingham residents.

Birmingham City Council can consider applications even if businesses have made payments, or paid in full, towards Business Rates during 2009/10.

Further information, as well as a Hardship Relief claim form can be obtained by calling the Business Rates team on 0121 303 5510 or 303 5511.

It will take the Business Rates team up to 28 days to consider your claim, and therefore you should continue to pay your rates whilst you are waiting for a decision.