Coronavirus: £14million business rate relief for Lewes district

Lewes District Council has confirmed it has been awarded a rate relief totalling £14,234,302 to 508 eligible businesses in the district and their zero bills will be posted first class tonight.

The council said: “Additionally, HM Treasury announced yesterday the scheme will be expanded to estate agents, lettings agencies and bingo halls that have closed as a result of the government’s coronavirus measures.

“They will now also be exempted from business rates in 2020-21.

“As soon as the details are received from the government we will make the adjustments and contact the eligible businesses.

“The latest government advice for businesses and workers continues to be updated on a daily basis at www.gov.uk

“Alternatively, people can also visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk for more information.”

Councillor James MacCleary, deputy leader of Lewes District Council, welcomed the funds: “I hope that this will be a big help to businesses in our district.

“The council is committed to supporting local employers in any way we can and awarding over £14million in business rate relief is just the latest step.

“That amount will also now increase as the government have expanded the scheme to include more types of businesses.

“It is hard to imagine a much more challenging environment for local businesses than the one we are currently in. We will continue to provide whatever we can to local businesses to help them get through this crisis.”