The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has welcomed the government’s funding support for communities and businesses impacted by Storm Babet.
With the aftermath of the storm still affecting various businesses, Bira has said they hoped as many businesses affected by the flooding would be aware of the relief that was announced this week.
The announced measures, spearheaded by Communities Secretary Michael Gove and Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey, include a range of financial aid and support initiatives designed to alleviate the immediate burdens faced by small businesses impacted by the flooding.
The measures include:
- Flooded households in affected areas can apply for up to £500 to give cash quickly to help with immediate costs.
· Households and businesses significantly affected by recent flooding will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.
· Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.
· Eligible flood-hit property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “We are glad to see the support measures being put in place so quickly for much-needed relief to small businesses grappling with the consequences of the destructive storm.
“Support needs to be made available quickly and the money allocated to affected businesses as a matter of urgency as retailers are now approaching what is traditionally the busiest time of the year,” he said.
Mr Goodacre added: “It’s also important for organisations such as ours to disseminate critical information such as this further to get the message out to all that need it and we hope they get back on their feet soon.”
Support will be available through councils who will announce further details on eligibility and how to apply.
