Lichfield, Tamworth and Burton Liberal Democrats

Cllr Paul Ray, the Liberal Democrat representative for Chadsmead, said he was hopeful Lichfield District Council would be able to keep people off the streets.

"The COVID-19 crisis has been very difficult for our community and country, and as we move forward the impact that it will have on the economy and people's jobs is a real concern.

Cllr Hall writes:

In the current crisis, businesses in East Staffordshire could be eligible for rates reductions and/or business grants. ESBC have contacted all eligible businesses, but a response needs to be made back to the council to claim your entitlement.

Payments started to be made just before Easter, and applications are being processed as quickly as possible. If you have a small business premises or retail, leisure and hospitality premises you should be eligible for either the £10,000 or £25,000 grant (depending on your rateable value), and if you have not received a letter from the council please email the revenues team on nndr@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk.

Crucial council and government support available for our local businesses

This is a very difficult time for all of us individually and also for businesses and so it is important to highlight the government financial support that is available to them.

This includes Small Business Grants of either £10,000 or £25,000 which are being paid out by Lichfield District Council. The Small Business Grant of £10,000 is available to businesses receiving Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief and the larger grant of £25,000 is available for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £51,000.