Updates are being issued regularly, so please do check back.
This page was last updated on 16 September 2020
Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, irrespective of Rateable Value, will receive 100% retail relief for 2020/21. So every shop, pub, theatre, music venue, restaurant and any other business in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will pay no business rates for a year.
This has been extended to cover all premises, regardless of their Rateable Value.
Properties that will benefit from the relief will be those that are wholly or mainly being used as shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues, for assembly and leisure, or as hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering accommodation
Eligible businesses will receive a new bill showing that there is nothing to pay for 2020/21.
The Government is providing additional funding for Local Authorities to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBRR), rural rate relief (RRR) and tapered relief. This will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to help meet their ongoing business costs.
Please note that properties which are occupied for personal use, e.g. private stables, beach huts, moorings etc. will not qualify for these grants
Applications for this scheme are now closed.
Business Rates Holiday for Nurseries
Nurseries in England do not have to pay business rates for the 2020-21 tax year. Properties that will benefit from the relief will be those occupied by providers on Ofsted's Early Year Register and are wholly or mainly used for the provision of Early Years Foundation Stage
Eligible businesses will receive a new bill showing that there is nothing to pay for 2020/21 as soon as possible.
Business Rates Holidays for Nurseries
Other assistance is available from the Government for businesses in England. Below are some brief descriptions of the available schemes, and links to more information. These schemes are not administered by West Devon Borough Council.
If you have put your employees on furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19) you can claim for 80% of their wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - Claim Now
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) provides financial support to smaller businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
This scheme helps large businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) through the purchase of their short-term debt.
Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility
Because of coronavirus you may be able to delay (defer) some tax payments without paying a penalty. You can
Call the HMRC Helpline for advice on 0800 0159 559.
Time to Pay (HMRC) VAT Deferral
The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate will repay employers the current rate of SSP that they pay to current or former employees for periods of sickness starting on or after 13 March 2020.
If you are self-employed, Income Tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system will be deferred to 31 January 2021. If you are self-employed, you are eligible.
This is an automatic offer with no applications required. No penalties or interest for late payment will be charged in the deferral period.
Income Tax Deferral for the Self Employed
If you are self employed and struggling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Government has announced a new support package for you. You can claim a taxable grant worth 70% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £6570 for the next three months.
The scheme will be open for applications soon. Please click on the button below to find out more.
Self Employed Income Support Scheme
Business owners and their employees who cannot work or find their income streams significantly reduced due to coronavirus (COVID-19) maybe eligible to claim Council Tax Reduction or apply for support from our Exceptional Hardship Fund.
You can claim Universal Credit online for help with your income replacement and housing costs.
The Government's website page on Frequently Asked Questions
Business support and advice is available over the phone, 03456 047 047 or by email info@heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk or accessing The Heart of the South West Growth Hub website.
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub
You can contact the Government's Business Support Helpline for free advice.
0300 456 3565 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
All businesses and self-employed people in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC's Time to Pay service. These arrangements are agreed on a case-by-case basis and are tailored to individual circumstances and liabilities. These businesses can contact HMRC's new dedicated coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline for advice and support.
Call HMRC's dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559
HMRC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Helpline
Guidance for Businesses - 16 March 2020 Guidance for Businesses - 17 March 2020 Guidance for Businesses - 18 March 2020 Message from Council Leaders - 24 March 2020 Guidance for Businesses - 24 March 2020 Guidance for Businesses - 31 March 2020
