HBC takes the initiative to help more local businesses

Havant Borough Council (HBC) has changed the criteria for applications to its Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund so more businesses with fewer than 50 staff will be eligible.

The first round of grants, awarded in June, provided 47 grants to a total value of £215,000. The total amount still available through the fund is £645,250.

The criteria have been changed to:

  • Raise the maximum rateable value of an eligible sole occupancy business premises to £65,000.
  • Allow businesses that occupy part of a property (such as shared offices or flexible workspaces) with annual rent or mortgage payments below £51,000 to apply.
  • Add pubs and nurseries to the priority list.

Applications are open now and will close at midnight on Sunday 19 July.

Councillor Michael Wilson, Leader of Havant Borough Council said:

“I am very pleased to be able to offer a second round of these grants and hope the changes that we have made to the criteria mean we can help a lot more businesses in the borough.

“The businesses that applied before and now qualify for a grant due to the changes we have made will be added to the list of applications without the need to apply again.

“These businesses are the foundation upon which the economy of Havant borough is built, so we are committed to providing all of the support that we can.”

Businesses can find out more and apply online at: www.havant.gov.uk/discretionary-grant-scheme