Over 300 businesses in Epsom and Ewell are still to apply for government grants to support them through the Covid-19 pandemic, according to figures released by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. 

Grants totalling more than £6million have been paid to 490 small businesses throughout the borough since 1st April.  Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is now taking action to invite the remaining 321 businesses to submit their application for funding support. 

“I’m proud of how tirelessly our team has worked,” commented Councillor Eber Kington, chair of the Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee.  “Thanks to the team’s dedication, all of the eligible applications received so far have been paid. 

“The Council is committed to protecting and supporting the local economy.  We are now trying to contact the 321 businesses who have not yet come forward to make sure that they know a grant is available to them.” 

Many of the 300 businesses are small or medium sized companies who don’t usually pay business rates.  This means that the Council only has a postal address for them, rather than email address or other details. 

Council staff are now combing the internet and other records to find details for eligible companies so that they can contact them directly. 

Small business owners can find out more about their eligibility for one of three government grants through the council’s dedicated webpage: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/businessgrants2020-21 . 

“When the restrictions are lifted, we want our borough to continue to be a strong, dynamic place where businesses thrive,” Councillor Kington concluded. 

“These government grants are a vital part of that process.  Our teams are standing by to process eligible applications promptly and get the grants to the businesses who need them the most.” 

There are three different grants available:

• Small Business Rate Relief.  To date, 348 out of 527 businesses have applied
• Retail rate Relief (£10,000 grant).  To date 14 out of 82 businesses have applied
• Retail Rate Relief (£25,000 grant).  To date, 128 out of 202 businesses have applied

These business grants are available to business rate payers who have a rateable value under £51,000 and are currently in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief or Retail Discount. The criteria for receiving these grants are very specific and businesses are requested to fully read the guidance before making an application.

All figures are correct at the time of issue and are subject to change.