Barking and Dagenham businesses set for £39m boost

A relief package worth £39m will be provided to businesses in Barking and Dagenham from today to tackle the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Eligible businesses in the area could receive between £10k and £25k made up of a mixture of £14m worth of Government Business Rates Relief and grants.

Where it holds the bank account details of businesses, the council will make payments directly. Other eligible businesses will receive a letter asking them to contact the council to have the payment made.

Cllr Dominic Twomey, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, performance and core services, said: “As part of our support to business during this crisis, 899 retail businesses and 34 nurseries have benefitted from a total of £16.160m in business rate relief and grants so far.

“In addition, 2001 businesses will be paid out a total of nearly £25m in grants.”

The council is also encouraging local employers to tell the council how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting on their businesses.

Cllr Sade Bright, cabinet member for employment, skills and aspiration, added: “We are doing all we can to work with local businesses, to monitor the impact of the crisis on their ability to carry on trading and at the same time save jobs.”