In response to a question from Upminster and Cranham Residents’ Association councillors, Havering Council have provided the following information with regard to Government help and grants to businesses in the current health crisis.

All retail/hospitality/leisure businesses in England will receive 100% retail rates relief discount for the next 12 months. A revised bill is on its way to businesses and should be received in the next few days. It means we won’t be collecting any business rates payments over 2020/21. This has now been extended to include Estate agents, letting agencies and bingo halls.

Any retail/hospitality/leisure businesses operating from premises with a Rateable Value between £15,000 and £51,000 will receive a £25,000 grant.

Any small business getting Small Business Rates Relief will get a £10,000 grant.

Havering Council will shortly be in touch and ask businesses to complete an online form (as they will need to verify business bank details), which should be available by early next week (w/c 30 March 2020) on their Business Support and Advice website.