Liberal Democrat Councillor Chris Gloster, who has responsibility as shadow cabinet member for Finance is appealing to all Oldham Borough business owners.  This is to ensure they have applied for a business grant if they have not already done so.  

Councillor Gloster said:  “With the outbreak of Covid-19, and the subsequent lockdown, £55 million became available to fund qualifying local businesses in the sum of either £10,000 or £25,000 dependent upon the rateable value of their business premises, even if rates were not payable.  This is a grant, not a loan, and is designed to help businesses through this difficult time.  

“Currently the council have paid out in excess of £40 million, to about 80% of qualifying businesses, and have written to business premises twice to alert them to this grant.  Approximately £15 million remains in the pot that if not claimed, will have to be sent back to London under the terms of the business grants scheme.  This money needs to stay and be spent in Oldham and not given back.  Full details of the Grants Scheme including the online application form are available on the council’s main website”.  

Where someone else pays the rates, such as multi occupancy mills, funding is also available.  Details of this fund as well as the online application form can similarly be found on the council’s main website.

Councillor Gloster finished with:  “I would encourage business owners check to see if they qualify, this fund has been a lifesaver for some businesses, and I do not want people to go out of business when they can access this funding”.

Council main website: www.oldham.gov.uk

Further details if required: Councillor Chris Gloster chris.gloster@oldham.gov.uk