Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, is urging local businesses to keep him updated on how they are coping during the unprecedented difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toby said, “I welcome the £350bn support package announced by the Government to support the economy but most of it takes the shape of loan guarantees, and still leaves many holes. We need to make sure that this is helping all businesses, their staff and the self-employed. If there are businesses in Chesterfield who think they might need to lay off staff or are at risk of collapse, I urge them to get in touch so that I can ensure that they are accessing all the potential support that is out there and hopefully protect as many jobs as possible. I will also raise the case of firms or industries not helped by the Government’s package”

A number of initiatives have been announced by Government to help businesses. Businesses from all sectors that are eligible for small business rate relief (SBBR) or rural rate relief, will be able to claim a cash grant of £10,000. A grant of up to £25,000, will be provided to all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from premises with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. These grants will be administered by Chesterfield Borough Council and will begin to be issued from early April. Further information relating to this will be published soon.

The Government have also announced that businesses in the retail, leisure & hospitality industry in England, regardless of their size, will get a business rates holiday for the whole of the 2020/21 tax year and any current arrears owed will not be pursued by local authorities for at least the next four months.

Toby added, “I welcome the business rates holiday and possible £25k grant for businesses in the retail, leisure & hospitality industry, but think this should also be extended to a number of other sectors. For example, I have already been contacted by a local estate agent who will see a massive reduction in business and who need help like other businesses. I will be pressing the Government to provide the support for all businesses and to ensure a minimum income guarantee for any workers put out of work.”

Any business owners or self-employed people with outstanding tax liabilities who are struggling financially can call the HMRC helpline on 0800 0159 559 for advice. This could potentially lead to a Time to Pay arrangement to help support them through this period.

More details and updates about the measures to help businesses can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

Toby can be contacted by calling 01246 386 286 or emailing him at toby.perkins.mp@parliamnet.uk

Toby Perkins MP
Toby Perkins MP
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