Understand what financial support is available for your business - from grants and loans through to tax relief and the Jobs Retention Scheme
The government has announced unprecedented support for businesses to deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus. This guidance explains the support that is available to businesses of all sizes, from access to finance, to deferred payments and support for employees. We will keep this page updated as more support schemes are announced and existing ones fine-tuned. This page has been broken down into:
- UK-wide schemes
- England-only schemes
- Scotland-only schemes
- Wales-only schemes
- Northern Ireland-only schemes
UK-wide financial support
Overview
Use this table to understand which UK-wide schemes your business may be eligible for - you can then explore the detail below.
Small and medium businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector | Large businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector | Other small and medium businesses | Other large businesses | Self-employed individuals (or member of a partnership) | |
Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility | X | ✔ | X | ✔ | X |
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme | ✔ | X | ✔ | ✔ | X |
'Bounce Back' Micro Loan Scheme | ✔ | X | ✔ | X | X |
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme | X | ✔ | X | ✔ | X |
Government backed support for start-ups and R&D SMEs |
X | ✔ | X | X | X |
Time to Pay | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
VAT Deferral | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | X |
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | X |
Statutory Sick Pay Rebate | ✔ | X | ✔ | X | X |
Income Tax Deferral for the Self-Employed | X | X | X | X | ✔ |
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme | X | X | X | X | ✔ |
The detail: breakdown of UK-wide schemes
Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility
- What is it?
The Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) is backed by the Bank of England (BoE) and provides funding to larger businesses and corporates in order to support their liquidity and working capital through the disruption caused by COVID-19. The scheme is funded by central bank reserves and will operate for at least 12 months.
- How does it work?
The Bank of England buys short-term debt from larger companies which are fundamentally strong but have been affected by a short-term funding squeeze. The scheme is funded by central bank reserves.
All lending extended by the BoE under the CCFF is guaranteed by HM Treasury.
The minimum issue size under the CCFF is £1m nominal, there is no maximum limit.
UKGi on behalf of HM Treasury will assess the credit quality of firms in the CCFF and will also ask firms to provide an up-to-date credit rating when requesting financing from the scheme. Where the firm’s credit rating has dropped below investment grade, the Treasury will ask for additional information before deciding the appropriate level of support.
- Who is it for?
All non-financial companies that:
- are in sound financial health prior to the shock of coronavirus: this means companies that had a short or long-term rating of investment grade, as at 1 March 2020, or equivalent
- make a material contribution to the UK economy (e.g. companies with significant employment, revenues and headquarters in the UK).
If firms do not have an existing credit rating from the major credit ratings agencies, they are encouraged to speak to their bank in the first instance to discuss potential eligibility.
- How do you apply?
In order to access the CCFF, you will need to contact your bank. Not all banks issue commercial paper, but UK Finance can provide a list of banks that are able to assist. More information can be found on the Bank of England website.
- When will it be available?
Available now. The CCFF will close for new purchases from eligible issuers with effect from 23 March 2021. This means that the Facility will make no purchases of Corporate Paper after 22 March 2021
- Key points of small print
Companies participating in the CCFF are required to commit to restrain their capital distributions and senior pay. Conditions apply to borrowers from the CCFF whose drawdowns mature after 19 May 2021; and to borrowers who request, and are approved, an increase in their CCFF limit, over and above that suggested by the issuer’s investment rating.
Disclosure: the Bank of England disclose the names and their outstanding drawings of all firms with an outstanding CCFF drawing.
Early repayment: Firms have the option to buy back their Corporate Paper from the CCFF early.
If you don’t have a public credit rating but you are eligible, the BoE have allowed companies to work with their banks to use their own internal rating to determine eligibility, which is then confirmed with the BoE.
The CCFF does not cover companies in the financial industry.
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
- What is it?
Small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus can access loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance of up to £5 million and for up to six years. The loans are interest free for 12 months. CBILS will close for new applications at the end of March 2021.
- How does it work?
CBILS gives the lender a government-backed guarantee for the loan repayments to encourage more lending. The scheme will be delivered through commercial lenders, with 80% of the loan backed by the government-owned British Business Bank (subject to pre-lender cap on claims). The remaining 20% is provided by the lender. The government will also make a Business Interruption Payment to cover the first 12 months of interest payments and any lender-levied fees. The government guarantee has now been extended to ten years, giving lenders more flexibility to extend payment terms from 6 to 10 years.
- Who is it for?
Any business that:
- Is UK-based in its business activity
- Has an annual turnover of no more than £45m
- Has a borrowing proposal which the lender (a) would consider viable, were it not for the COVID-19 pandemic; (b) believes will enable you to trade out of any short-term to medium-term difficulty.
Businesses from any sector can apply, except the following:
- Banks and building societies
- Insurers and reinsurers (but not insurance brokers)
- Public-sector organisations, including state-funded primary and secondary schools.
- How do you apply?
You should apply via your usual lender’s website or through one of the 44 accredited commercial lenders (including all major banks).
- When will it be available?
Available now through all major banks. The scheme will close to new applications at the end of March 2021.
- Key points of small print
The borrower remains 100% liable for the debt. Viable companies do not have to apply for a normal commercial loan before they are eligible for a CBIL. No personal guarantees can be taken by the lender in any form for facilities below £250k.
For Facilities over £250k, the lender is still able to ask for personal guarantees, but recoveries are capped at 20% of the outstanding loan after the proceeds of business assets have been applied. A principal place of residence can not be used as a personal guarantee.
There are no guarantee fees for SMEs. Lenders pay a fee to access the scheme. ‘Insufficient security’ has been removed as a test, making those SMEs who are considered to have sufficient collateral eligible. Previously, companies would have to show insufficient security to be eligible.
- Where can I find out more?
Visit the British Business Bank's website.
The Government has already announced that more support will be available beyond March, through a successor loan scheme. More details of the scheme will be announced in due course.
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
- What is it?
A government backed scheme to enable accredited banks to make loans to medium and large businesses with a turnover of over £45m. An accredited lender can provide up to £25m to businesses with turnover from £45m up to £250m and up to £200m to businesses for those with a turnover of over £250m. This will be available from 26 May. CLBILS will close for new applications at the end of March 2021.
- How does it work?
CLBILS will be available through a range of British Business Bank accredited lenders and partners, which will be listed on the British Business Bank website. Companies will be able to borrow up to 25% of turnover, up to a maximum of £200m. Lenders who wish to offer larger loans will need to undergo further accreditation checks to apply, look at the list on the British Business Bank website and contact one of the accredited lenders directly. The lender has the authority to decide whether to offer you finance. The scheme provides the lender with a government-backed partial guarantee of 80% against the outstanding balance of the facility. Finance is available to the companies in the form of: term loans, revolving credit facilities (including overdrafts), invoice finance and asset finance.
- Who is it for?
Businesses that:
Are UK-based in its business activity with an annual turnover of more than £45 million. - Have a borrowing proposal which the lender would consider viable were it not for the current pandemic. And, that the lender believes the provision of finance will enable the business to trade out of any short-term to medium-term difficulty. - Can self-certify that it has been adversely impacted by coronavirus - Has not received a facility under the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). Lenders will need further information to confirm eligibility. All lending decisions remain fully delegated to the accredited lenders. Companies from the following sector are not eligible: Credit institutions (falling within the remit of the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive), insurers and reinsurers (but not insurance brokers); building societies; public-sector bodies; further-education establishments, if they are grant-funded State-funded primary and secondary schools.
- How do you apply?
Find a lender on the list of accredited lenders on the British Business Bank website. It is suggested you approach the lender via their website as phone lines are currently extremely busy. The lender has the authority to decide whether to offer you finance. If you are turned down by one lender, then you can still approach another.
- Key points of small print
Companies borrowing more than £50m will be subject to restrictions on dividend payments, senior pay and share buy-backs during the period of the loan, including a ban on dividend payments and cash bonuses, except where they were previously agreed. Businesses will still be 100% responsible for paying the facility back, and interest and fees charged by the lender. Lenders are expected to follow their normal credit policy when assessing security generally. Personal guarantees are not allowed for facilities under £250,000. For facilities of £250,000 and over, claims on personal guarantees applied to the scheme facility cannot exceed 20% of losses on the scheme facility after all other recoveries have been applied.
- When will it be available?
CLBILS will close for new applications at the end of March 2021.
- Further information
The Government has already announced that more support will be available beyond March, through a successor loan scheme. More details of the scheme will be announced in due course.
'Bounce Back' micro loan scheme
- What is it?
A fast-track finance scheme for small companies, providing loans of £2,000 - £50,000 with a 100% government-backed guarantee for lenders.
The scheme will close to new applications on 31st January 2021.
From 9 November 2020, the BBLS allows those companies who have already borrowed less than the maximum they are eligible for, a one-time top-up of their existing loans up to the maximum amount.
- How does it work?
Businesses can apply for bounce-back loans for 25% of their turnover up to a maximum of £50,000 with the government paying the interest for the first twelve months.
There are no forward-looking tests of business viability, no complex eligibility criteria, just a simple form for businesses to fill in.
Loan terms will be up to six years and there will be no repayments due during the first 12 months. Interest is 2.5% pa after the first 12 months.
No personal guarantees are allowed.
Firms can extend the repayment of the loans to 10 years as part of the Pay As You Grow scheme. Businesses who are struggling can now choose to make interest-only payments and anyone in real trouble can apply to suspend repayments altogether for up to six months. No business taking up Pay As You Grow will see their credit rating affected as a result.
- Who is it for?
Businesses from all sectors can apply for a facility. The business must self-certify to its lender the following:
- Confirm it is UK-based in its business activity, and established by 1 March 2020
- Confirm it has been adversely impacted by the Coronavirus
- Confirm it is not currently using a government-backed Coronavirus loan scheme (unless using BBLS to refinance a whole facility)
- Confirm it is not in bankruptcy, liquidation or undergoing debt restructuring.
- How do you apply?
Businesses should check the British Business Bank to find out which lenders provide Bounce Back Loans.
Businesses will be required to fill in a short online application form on their lender’s website, which self-certifies whether they are eligible for a Bounce Back Loan facility. Eligible companies will be subject to standard customer fraud, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. Some State aid restrictions may apply to applications.
- Key points of small print
- Lenders under the scheme can provide loans of up to £50k over six years
- The first twelve months of interest are paid by government, then 2.5% pa interest after that
- Repayments deferred for 12 months. Early repayment is allowed and there will be no early repayment charges.
- When will it be available?
The scheme is available now. The scheme will close to new applications on 31 January 2021.
- More information
Government backed support for start-ups and R&D SMEs
- What is it?
£1.25bn package to protect innovative companies against the economic impacts of Coronavirus. The package has two parts:
-
Future Fund: a convertible loan scheme for high-growth firms. Loans can range from £125k to £5m. The loans will be delivered in partnership with the British Business Bank.
New applications close to the Future Fund on 31 January 2021.
- Innovate UK grants for innovative companies and those companies that have already been given an Innovate UK award. Schemes include the Innovation Continuity Loans and Coronavirus Business Innovation Support Packages.
- How does it work?
The Future Fund is an unsecured bridge funding loan where the government will provide up to 50%, with the remainder provided by a matched investor(s). The full terms and conditions for the Future Fund convertible loan can be found on the government website.
The Innovate UK support is delivered through their grants and loans programme. For 2,500 existing Innovate UK customers, £200m of grant and loan payments will be accelerated. An extra £550m will be made for other existing customers, and £175k will be offered to 1200 firms not currently in receipt of Innovate UK Funding.
- Who is it for?
To be eligible for Future Fund: companies must be UK-incorporated and if part of a corporate group, only the parent company is eligible, companies in receipt of the loans will be required to have previously raised at least £250,000 in equity investment from third party investors in the last five years, only eligible companies that can attract at least 50% of third-party investment will receive funding, companies cannot have any of their shares traded on a regulated market, multilateral trading facility or other listing venue, the company must have been incorporated on or before 31 December 2019.
At least one of the following must be true for the company: half or more employees are UK based or half or more revenues are from UK sales Eligibility criteria for SME Package, funding will be distributed through Innovate UK’s grant and loan scheme. Innovate UK are the national innovation agency. Further information on funding will be released soon.
- How do you apply?
The Future Fund is available now. Applications submitted via an online platform based on a set of standard terms and eligibility criteria. The support for R&D intensive SMEs will be available through Innovate UK’s grants and loan scheme. For general guidance on applying for Innovate UK grants and loans, please visit gov.uk.
- Key points of small print
How can I use the Future Fund government loan? The bridge funding shall be used solely for working capital purposes and shall not be used by the company to repay any borrowings, make any dividends or bonus payments to staff, management, shareholders or consultants or, in respect of the government loan, pay any advisory or placement fees or bonuses to external advisers.
- When will it be available?
The Future Fund portal is live and closes on 31 January 2021: applications can be found here.
The Innovate UK Schemes are now live here
- More information
Visit gov.uk to read the news announcements for the launch of the schemes.
Visit the British Business Bank for more information on the Future Fund.
Time to Pay
- What is it?
All businesses and self-employed people in financial distress with outstanding tax liabilities may be eligible to receive tax support through HMRC’s Time To Pay service. This is agreed on a case-by-case basis, tailored to individual circumstances. - Who is it for?
Any business that pays tax to the UK Government and has outstanding tax liabilities. - How do you apply?
If you’ve missed, or are worried about missing, your next tax payment due to coronavirus, contact HMRC. You can also call the HMRC helpline for advice on 0800 0159 559. - When will it be available?
Available now. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
VAT Deferral
- What is it?
Supporting businesses by deferring Value Added Tax (VAT) payments for 3 months. - Who is it for?
All VAT-registered UK businesses are eligible. - How do you apply?
UK Registered businesses will have until the end of the 2020-21 tax year to pay any liabilities that have accumulated during the deferral period. If you normally pay by direct debit, cancel it if you are unable to pay. - When will it be available?
The deferral will apply from 20 March 2020 until 30 June 2020. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- What is it?
All UK employers with a PAYE scheme will be able to access support to continue paying 80% of the salary - up to £2,500 per month - of employees who have been furloughed. This will cover the cost of wages backdated to March 1st and is initially open for 3 months. - Who is it for?
All UK-based employers with a PAYE scheme will be eligible – this includes the public sector, Local Authorities and charities. - How do you apply?
Designate affected employees as ‘furloughed,’ notify these employees of this change (subject to employment law). Once the new online portal is live, submit information about these employees and their earnings to HMRC. - When will it be available?
HMRC is creating a system for reimbursement, with grants expected to be paid within weeks, and before the end of April. The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan may help with short-term cash flow. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
Statutory Sick Pay Rebate
- What is it?
New legislation will allow small and medium-sized businesses to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for staff sickness absence due to coronavirus. This refund will cover up to 2 weeks’ SSP per eligible employee who has been off work because of coronavirus. - Who is it for?
Any small or medium sized business that is UK-based and employs fewer than 250 employees as of 28 February 2020. - How do you apply?
A rebate scheme is being developed, further details will be provided in due course. - When will it be available?
The government will work with employers to set up the repayment mechanism for employers as soon as possible. Existing systems are not designed to facilitate employer refunds for SSP. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
Income Tax Deferral for the Self-Employed
- What is it?
If you are self-employed, Income Tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021. The Self- Assessment payment on account, that is ordinarily due to be paid by 31 July 2020 may now be deferred until January 2021. - Who is it for?
If you are self-employed, you are eligible for the deferment. - How do you apply?
This is an automatic offer with no applications required. No penalties or interest for late payment will be charged if you defer payment of your July 2020 payment on account until January 2021. - When will it be available?
You may apply the deferral from 31 July 2020 until 31 January 2021. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
- What is it?
A grant for self-employed individuals or partnerships, worth 80% of their profits - based on average profits across 2016-19 tax years - up to a cap of £2,500 per month. This applies to those where the majority of their income comes from self-employment and who have profits of less than £50,000. - Who is it for?
Any self-employed person (or partnership member) who has filed a 2018/19 tax return; has traded in 2019/20; is currently trading or intends to continue trading in 2020-21 (if it weren't for COVID-19); generates more than half their total income from self-employment; and has average trading profits for 2018/19 (or the past 3 years) under £50,000. - How do you apply?
Do not contact HMRC now. HMRC will use existing information to check eligibility and invite applications in due course. HMRC will then pay the grant directly to eligible claimants’ bank account by early June 2020. If you have not submitted a return for 2018/19, you have until 23rd April to file a return in order to become eligible. - When will it be available?
HMRC is working to deliver the scheme; with grants expected to be paid by early June 2020. In the interim the self-employed will still able eligible for other government support including universal credit and business continuity loans. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
England-only financial support schemes
Overview
Use this table to understand which England-only schemes your business may be eligible for - you can then explore the detail below.
Small and medium businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector | Large businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector | Other small and medium businesses | Other large businesses | Self-employed individuals (or member of a partnership) | |
Business Rates Holiday for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure | ✔ | ✔ | X | X | X |
Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure | ✔ | X | X | X | X |
Small Business Grant Funding | ✔ | X | ✔ | X | X |
Business Rates Holiday for Nurseries |
X | X | ✔ | X | X |
The detail: breakdown of England-only schemes
Business Rates Holiday for Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
- What is it?
Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England will not have to pay business rates for the 2020-21 tax year. Nor will estate agents, letting agencies, or bingo halls who have had to close because of Covid-19 Businesses that received the retail discount in the 2019-20 tax year will be rebilled by their local authority as soon as possible. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in England and in the retail, hospitality and/or leisure sector (e.g. shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, cinemas, live music venues, hotels, guesthouses and premises for assembly and leisure). Plus estate agents, letting agencies and bingo halls that have had to close due to Covid-19. - How do you apply?
You do not need to do anything. Local authorities will apply the business rates holiday to your bills. - When will it be available?
This will apply to your business rates bills for the 2020/2021 tax year. Local authorities may reissue your bill in April to reflect this. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
- What is it?
A cash grant for businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector.- Businesses with a property that has a rateable value of up to £15,000 will receive a grant of £10,000
- Businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 - £51,000 will receive a grant of £25,000.
- Who is it for?
Any business that is based in England, in the retail, hospitality and/or leisure sector (e.g. shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, cinemas, live music venues, hotels, guesthouses and premises for assembly and leisure), with a rateable value under £51,000. - How do you apply?
You do not need to do anything. Your Local Authority will write to you if you are eligible for this grant. - When will it be available?
Local Authorities will write to all eligible businesses soon with information on how to claim this grant. - Key points of small print
Some aspects of this scheme are devolved. See the Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales sections of this page for information on their schemes. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
Small Business Grant Funding
- What is it?
Additional funding for Local Authorities to support small businesses that already pay little/no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBRR), rural rate relief (RRR) and tapered relief. This will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses. - How does it work?
Local authorities will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to meet their ongoing business costs. Central Government will provide funding to Local Authorities that are responsible for business rate billing. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in England, that occupies property, and that receives small business rate relief (SBRR) and/or rural rate relief (SRR). - How do you apply?
Local Authorities will write to all eligible businesses soon with information on how to claim this grant. - When will it be available?
Local Authorities will write to all eligible businesses soon with information on how to claim this grant. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
Business Rates Holiday for Nurseries
- What is it?
Nurseries in England do not have to pay business rates for the 2020-21 tax year. - Who is it for?
Properties in England that are occupied by providers on Ofsted’s Early Years Register and are wholly or mainly used for the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage. - How do you apply?
You do not need to do anything. Local authorities will apply the business rates holiday to your bills. - When will it be available?
This will apply to your business rates bills for the 2020/2021 tax year. Local authorities may reissue your bill in April to reflect this. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the government's coronavirus business support site
Scotland-only financial support schemes
Overview
Use this table to understand which Scotland-only schemes your business may be eligible for - you can then explore the detail below.
Large businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure, aviation sector | Small and medium businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector | Other small and medium businesses | Other large businesses | Self-employed individuals (or member of a partnership) | |
Rates Relief for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure | ✔ | ✔ | X | X | X |
Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure | X | ✔ | X | X | X |
Small Business Grant Funding | X | ✔ | ✔ | X | X |
Non-Domestic Rates Relief | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | X |
Rates Relief for Aviation | X | ✔ (Aviation industry only) |
X | X |
The detail: breakdown of Scotland-only schemes
Rates Relief for Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
- What is it?
All retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in Scotland will get 100% rates relief for 2020-21. - Who is it for?
Any retail, hospitality or leisure business that is based in Scotland, that that pays non-domestic rates/business rates and that occupies a property. To get this relief, a property has to be occupied. Properties that have closed temporarily due to the government's coronavirus advice will be treated as occupied. You can get this rates relief even if you already get another relief for your property. - How do you apply?
You do not need to apply for this relief as it will be applied to your bill by your local council. - When will it be available?
This will apply to your business rates bills for the 2020/2021 tax year. Local authorities may reissue your bill in April to reflect this. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Scottish government website
Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
- What is it?
Businesses is in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector, with a property that has a rateable value of between £18,001 and up to and including £51,000 will be able to apply for a one-off grant of £25,000. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in Scotland in the retail, hospitality and/or leisure sector (e.g. shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, cinemas, live music venues, hotels, guesthouses and premises for assembly and leisure), with a rateable value between £18,001 and up to and including £51,000. - How do you apply?
To apply, you'll need to complete an application form. You can find this form on your local council website. - When will it be available?
Local councils are taking applications now. - Key points of small print
Some aspects of this scheme are devolved. See the Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales sections of this page for information on their schemes. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Scottish government website
Small Business Grant Funding
- What is it?
Additional funding for Local Authorities to support small businesses that already pay little/no business rates because of small business bonus scheme relief and/or rural relief. This will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses. - How does it work?
Local authorities will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to meet their ongoing business costs. Central Government will provide funding to Local Authorities that are responsible for business rate billing. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in Scotland, that occupies property, and that receives small business bonus scheme relief or rural relief. - How do you apply?
To apply, you'll need to complete an application form. You can find this form on your local council website. - When will it be available?
Local councils are taking applications now. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Scottish government website
Non-Domestic Rates Relief
- What is it?
All retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in Scotland will get 100% rates relief for 2020-21. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in Scotland, that occupies property, and that pays non-domestic rates/business rates. You can get this rates relief even if you already get another relief for your property. - How do you apply?
You do not need to apply for this relief as it will be applied to your bill by your local council. - When will it be available?
This will apply to your business rates bills for the 2020/2021 tax year. Local authorities may reissue your bill in April to reflect this. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Scottish government website
Rates Relief for Aviation
- What is it?
Scottish airports, and organisations providing handling services at Scottish airports will get a 100% rates relief for 2020-21. Loganair will also get a 100% rates relief due to their unique role in providing connectivity in the Highlands and Islands. No other airline will receive rate relief in Scotland. - Who is it for?
Scottish airports, Loganair, and companies which provide the following handling services: de-icing, re-fuelling, moving aircraft, waste servicing, seating allocation, baggage handling, boarding supervision. - How do you apply?
You do not need to apply for this relief as it will be applied to your bill by your local council. - When will it be available?
This will apply to your business rates bills for the 2020/2021 tax year. Local authorities may reissue your bill in April to reflect this. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Scottish government website
Wales-only financial support schemes
Overview
Use this table to understand which Wales-only schemes your business may be eligible for - you can then explore the detail below.
Small and medium businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector | Large businesses in the retail, hospitaltiy and leisure sector | Other small and medium businesses | Other large businesses | Self-employed individuals (or member of a partnership) | |
Rates Relief for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure | ✔ | ✔ | X | X | X |
Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure | ✔ | X | X | X | X |
Cash Grant for Small Businesses | ✔ | X | ✔ | X | X |
Small Business Grant | ✔ | X | ✔ | X | X |
Small and Medium Sized Business Grant | ✔ | X | ✔ | X | X |
The detail: breakdown of Wales-only schemes
Rates Relief for Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
- What is it?
Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of £500,000 or less will get one year business rates relief in the financial year 2020 to 2021.This means that you will not have to pay any business rates during this time. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in Wales and in the retail, hospitality and/or leisure sector (e.g. shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, cinemas, live music venues, hotels, guesthouses and premises for assembly and leisure). - How do you apply?
This will be administered through the business rates system. You do not need to do anything. Your local authority will contact you. - When will it be available?
This will apply to your business rates bills for the 2020/2021 tax year. Local authorities may reissue your bill in April to reflect this. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Welsh government website
Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
- What is it?
Businesses is in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector, with a property that has a rateable value between £12,001 and £51,000 will receive a grant of £25,000. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in Wales, in the retail, hospitality and/or leisure sector (e.g. shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, cinemas, live music venues, hotels, guesthouses and premises for assembly and leisure), with a rateable value between £12,001-£51,000. - How do you apply?
This will be administered through the business rates system. More information can be found on your local council website. - When will it be available?
Information will be available on your local council website in April. - Key points of small print
Some aspects of this scheme are devolved. See the Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales sections of this page for information on their schemes. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Welsh government website
Cash Grant for Small Businesses
- What is it?
Additional funding for Local Authorities to support small businesses that already pay little/no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBRR), rural rate relief (RRR) and tapered relief. This will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses. - How does it work?
Local authorities will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to meet their ongoing business costs. Central Government will provide funding to Local Authorities that are responsible for business rate billing. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in Wales, that occupies property, and that receives small business rate relief (SBRR) and/or rural rate relief (SRR). - How do you apply?
This will be administered through the business rates system. More information can be found on your local council website. - When will it be available?
Information will be available on your local council website in April. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Welsh government website
Small Business Grant
- What is it?
Small businesses which employ up to nine people can apply for a grant of up to £10,000. - Who is it for?
Small businesses based in Wales who employ up to nine people (including sole traders with staff). - How do you apply?
Details of the application process and eligibility are being finalised and will be published shortly on the Business Wales website. - When will it be available?
Applications will be open in mid-April. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Welsh government website
Small & Medium Sized Business Grant
- What is it?
Small and medium-sized businesses which employ between 10 and 249 people can apply for a grant of up to £100,000. - Who is it for?
Small and medium sized businesses based in Wales who employ between 10 and 249 people. - How do you apply?
Details of the application process and eligibility are being finalised and will be published shortly on the Business Wales website. - When will it be available?
Applications will be open in early April. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Welsh government website
Northern Ireland-only financial support schemes
Overview
Use this table to understand which Northern Ireland-only schemes your business may be eligible for - you can then explore the detail below.
Small and medium businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector | Large businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector | Other small and medium businesses | Other large businesses | Self-employed individuals (or member of a partnership) | |
Hospitality, Tourism and Retail Sectors Grant Scheme | ✔ | ✔ | X | X | X |
COVID Small Business Grant | ✔ | X | ✔ | X | X |
Business Rates Relief | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | X |
The detail: breakdown of Northern Ireland-only schemes
Hospitality, Tourism and Retail Sectors Grant Scheme
- What is it?
A one-off grant of £25,000 for ratepayers in the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors who pay rates on a property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in Northern Ireland, in the retail, hospitality and/or leisure sector (e.g. shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, cinemas, live music venues, hotels, guesthouses and premises for assembly and leisure), with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000. - How do you apply?
Further details about how to access this grant will be announced as soon as this is possible. - When will it be available?
Further details about how to access this grant will be announced as soon as this is possible. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Northern Ireland Business Info website
COVID Small Business Grant
- What is it?
Small business grant of £10,000 to be issued immediately to support 27,000 businesses in Northern Ireland. This is for all businesses with a NAV value up to £15,000. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in Northern Ireland with a NAV value up to £15,000. - How do you apply?
- If you pay your rates by Direct Debit, payment of the grant will be made directly into your bank account
- If you don't pay your rates by Direct Debit, you should use the online form to register for the grant and provide bank details for grant payment.
- When will it be available?
- If you pay your rates by Direct Debit, the grant payment has been processed and will be in your bank account in w/c 30th March
- If you don't pay your rates by Direct Debit, the grant payment will be issued as soon as possible after you have completed the online form.
- Where can I find out more?
Visit the Northern Ireland Business Info website
Business Rates Relief
- What is it?
All NI businesses will pay zero rates in April, May and June This automatically reduces rates by 25%, in addition to any existing rate reliefs. This applies to all businesses and does not need to be repaid. - Who is it for?
Any business that is based in Nortthern Ireland and pays business rates. - How do you apply?
You do not need to apply for this relief as it will be applied to your bill by your local authority. - When will it be available?
This will apply to your business rates bills for the 2020/2021 tax year. Local authorities may reissue your bill in April to reflect this. - Where can I find out more?
Visit the Northern Ireland Business Info website
Gaps in the packages and FAQs
Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF)
- Not all banks issue commercial paper. If banks do not issue commercial paper, UK Finance have a list of banks able to assist.
- There may be a lack of clarity for companies that do not have a credit rating. Bank of England provides guidance under the section “What do I do if my company does not have a credit rating?”
CBILS – Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
What about early stage start-ups and small technology companies that are not currently showing a profit?
Start-ups are ideas rich and asset poor, they need urgent financial support through an equity-based finance package so that they can continue to support consumers and SMEs. If the UK is to remain competitive on a global stage, we need these innovative firms such as FinTechs to help support the UK's economic recovery. Therefore, finding a way to support them through this period is crucial, and the CBI are working with government and businesses to develop this support.
Small Business Grant Scheme
- Local Authorities have gaps in the business information they have about companies which may impede distribution of grants.
- The grant is not available if a business is within a larger property that may not be eligible for grants. For example, a business that shares a larger property and contributes to its business rates, but the size of the property means that it is not eligible for the grant, will not be considered eligible.
Retail and Hospitality Grant Scheme
- Local Authorities have gaps in the business information they have about companies which may impede distribution of grants.
- Businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or over are not eligible for this scheme, and those businesses which are not the ratepayer in the business rates system are not included.
- The timeline and logistics for how this will be communicated directly to companies and how and when the grant will be paid is still to be decided. The Local Authorities will need to receive the money from government before it is distributed to businesses.