Coronavirus Grants
Discussion
24valve said:
We've had a glimmer of hope yesterday.
We followed up again with our local councillor and MP. Both just seem to recite the retrospective stuff from the council without actually looking into our case. To be fair, the councillor was slightly more helpful than the MP, who seemed to want to waste government money by backing up every email with a letter typed on expensive paper and fancy envelope going through the post (we live less than 5 miles away from the MP's office!).
Anyhow, I digress.
What I did see yesterday morning was a news report on cornwall live regarding another couple who on the face of it were not eligible for the grant who run a cafe further down the county. In the same way we were effected with the rates etc, they were, but had the foresight to bring it to the local media. I mentioned it to the missus, who thought about it for 10 minutes and replied to the thread about her situation, and saying that something just wasnt very fair or right about the situation.
This was posted at 08:30. By 11am the council called my better half and stated that they'd seen her media post and that they had quickly reviewed all the evidence and it had become clear she should be awarded the grant. They told her not to worry about submitting any more evidence and that they'll send a letter with the rate number asap and that once we receive it we can go online and submit it for the next step.
...Fortunately the tears are a lot less now, so fingers crossed it all comes off. It seems getting the right person at the council helps - perhaps some are just not well enough informed or are too stressed. I still dont think that the criteria for the grant is as well thought out as it could have been, but there you go.
...I do want to extend my thanks again for the hope that all on here have provided, and in particular again to Prolex and Singlecoil in pointing us in the right direction.
Neil.
Great news. Hope you both get through this okWe followed up again with our local councillor and MP. Both just seem to recite the retrospective stuff from the council without actually looking into our case. To be fair, the councillor was slightly more helpful than the MP, who seemed to want to waste government money by backing up every email with a letter typed on expensive paper and fancy envelope going through the post (we live less than 5 miles away from the MP's office!).
Anyhow, I digress.
What I did see yesterday morning was a news report on cornwall live regarding another couple who on the face of it were not eligible for the grant who run a cafe further down the county. In the same way we were effected with the rates etc, they were, but had the foresight to bring it to the local media. I mentioned it to the missus, who thought about it for 10 minutes and replied to the thread about her situation, and saying that something just wasnt very fair or right about the situation.
This was posted at 08:30. By 11am the council called my better half and stated that they'd seen her media post and that they had quickly reviewed all the evidence and it had become clear she should be awarded the grant. They told her not to worry about submitting any more evidence and that they'll send a letter with the rate number asap and that once we receive it we can go online and submit it for the next step.
...Fortunately the tears are a lot less now, so fingers crossed it all comes off. It seems getting the right person at the council helps - perhaps some are just not well enough informed or are too stressed. I still dont think that the criteria for the grant is as well thought out as it could have been, but there you go.
...I do want to extend my thanks again for the hope that all on here have provided, and in particular again to Prolex and Singlecoil in pointing us in the right direction.
Neil.
Prolex-UK said:
Maybe help for serviced offices
Or offices?
Serviced offices should already get the help shouldnt they? As long as the landlord is doing the job properly.Or offices?
I wonder how many empty rate applications councils are getting for offices - must be a few of those lurking around!
Chrisgr31 said:
Prolex-UK said:
Maybe help for serviced offices
Or offices?
Serviced offices should already get the help shouldnt they? As long as the landlord is doing the job properly.Or offices?
I wonder how many empty rate applications councils are getting for offices - must be a few of those lurking around!
jammy-git said:
Depends if you're in a serviced office which is individually rated.
Co-working and hot-desking companies are screwed though.
True, and of course anyone in an office with an RV in excess of the limit (£15k) is screwed. There is in my opinion a justifiable question in why businesses with a low RV should get assistance (often when due to the RV they don't pay rates at all) whereas those occupying larger properties get nothing and continue to pay rates for a building that due to government advice is sitting idle.Co-working and hot-desking companies are screwed though.
To an extent this virus has highlighted a huge problem with the economy in that very few people or businesses have sufficient reserves to cover them for a rainy day. Its a problem which has seen the loss of many of our traditional retailers who used to hold their property freehold. Then the Board did sale and leasebacks which released cash (boosting dividends and pay) and paid rent - often excessive rents. Roll on a few years economy dips, etc they can no longer pay the rent and go bust.
There has been a huge move to using borrowed money which has meant no cash reserves so difficulties with surviving this period.
Its also interesting what Prolex said a few posts ago about being in trouble for not issuing grants where businesses haven't have for them. This money being given in grants is not free money. Someone has to pay for it and that someone is us as the taxpayer. The pandemic is no one's fault (well arguably other than the Chinese for hygiene practices at markets) and therefore it is fair that everyone should share the burden of paying for it. However it does make you wonder why some companies get grants and others get nothing and whether it is right that people that have decided they don't need the money are almost being forced to take it.
Stay in Bed Instead said:
Th Government should cancel rates for every business in the country.
I would argue that every single one is affected by this turmoil and has increased costs because of it.
yupI would argue that every single one is affected by this turmoil and has increased costs because of it.
said that way up ^^^^^
as well as the pure cash being spent less visible are the staff costs in dealing with it.
I have worked from 18/3 aside from easter without a break. No O/T but still extra salary that would not have been paid
if they'd have said rate holiday for all its a 5 minute job to make that happen...
rowley birkin said:
Chrisgr31 said:
Prolex-UK said:
Maybe help for serviced offices
Or offices?
Serviced offices should already get the help shouldnt they? As long as the landlord is doing the job properly.Or offices?
I wonder how many empty rate applications councils are getting for offices - must be a few of those lurking around!
Chrisgr31 said:
Prolex-UK said:
Stay in Bed Instead said:
Th Government should cancel rates for every business in the country.
I would argue that every single one is affected by this turmoil and has increased costs because of it.
yupI would argue that every single one is affected by this turmoil and has increased costs because of it.
said that way up ^^^^^
So, now there’s formal help announced for those in shared offices:
https://www.ft.com/content/ebe3cd38-e6a4-4642-b31c...
No idea how this will work in practice yet.
https://www.ft.com/content/ebe3cd38-e6a4-4642-b31c...
No idea how this will work in practice yet.
skwdenyer said:
So, now there’s formal help announced for those in shared offices:
https://www.ft.com/content/ebe3cd38-e6a4-4642-b31c...
No idea how this will work in practice yet.
Don't bother clicking if you are not an FT subscriberhttps://www.ft.com/content/ebe3cd38-e6a4-4642-b31c...
No idea how this will work in practice yet.
skwdenyer said:
So, now there’s formal help announced for those in shared offices:
https://www.ft.com/content/ebe3cd38-e6a4-4642-b31c...
No idea how this will work in practice yet.
What's being offered?https://www.ft.com/content/ebe3cd38-e6a4-4642-b31c...
No idea how this will work in practice yet.
singlecoil said:
skwdenyer said:
So, now there’s formal help announced for those in shared offices:
https://www.ft.com/content/ebe3cd38-e6a4-4642-b31c...
No idea how this will work in practice yet.
Don't bother clicking if you are not an FT subscriberhttps://www.ft.com/content/ebe3cd38-e6a4-4642-b31c...
No idea how this will work in practice yet.
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