Up to 1,000 New Forest businesses still yet to claim free government cash

UP TO 1,000 New Forest businesses have not claimed free government financial help, it has emerged.

Having already distributed £32m of grants to 2,565 local firms, the district council has written to those eligible but who have not taken up the offer to urge them to take action.

All businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of up to £51,000, and those getting Small Business Rate Relief, can apply for a Business Support Grant.

Matt Callaghan, NFDC economic development manager said: “We recognise that cashflow is an issue for all businesses and that it is particularly critical during this period. Yet, many eligible businesses in the New Forest have yet to claim their grant.”

Ryan Stevens, service manager for revenues and benefits, added: “We want to make sure that every business eligible for a grant is able to access and benefit from it, and we urge businesses to apply without delay.

“This grant is free, easy to claim and doesn’t need to be repaid. Once we have your completed application you could receive your money in just a few working days.”

Just last week Mathew Lawson, chairman of the New Forest Business Partnership, and Anthony Climpson, head of tourism group Go New Forest, warned many local firms risked going under unless the government pledged more aid for coastal areas and the badly-hit tourism industry.

The district council’s cabinet member for business, Cllr Michael Harris rebuffed a claim by Mr Lawson it had “taken too long” to hand out help.

This week NFDC said newly released figures showed it was among the top 20% of UK councils in distributing the government help grant.