Published: Friday, 27 March 2020

Businesses in Oxford are now able to apply for the Government’s new grants and rate relief to support them during the coronavirus outbreak.

Oxford City Council’s dedicated business support team has been working quickly to ensure businesses in Oxford are the first to be able to access the new funding.

The support now available:

  • Small businesses in Oxford that pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBRR), rural rate relief (RRR) and tapered relief are now able to apply for the Government’s one-off grant of £10,000
  • Businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure are now able to receive a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property
  • Businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure will not have to pay business rates for the 2020/21 tax year                            

Meanwhile, the City Council has also moved to pay suppliers immediately on receipt of an undisputed invoice. Previously, the City Council paid suppliers every 30 days.

The change aims to support the cash flow of businesses in Oxford. The City Council’s policy is to procure goods and services, wherever possible, from businesses based in Oxford.

“We have been working tirelessly to ensure that businesses in Oxford were the first to receive the Government’s latest grants and rate relief.

“I am delighted that the funding is now available, and would encourage all businesses that qualify to get their application in as soon as possible.

“Small- and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of Oxford and its economy, and we are doing everything we can to ensure they survive through the coronavirus outbreak.”

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council

Rate this page