Lincoln BIG is reminding city cafes, restaurants and pubs to claim a government grant to get smaller overheads.
Businesses in Lincoln with a rateable value of up to £50,000, which are solely or mainly used as eating and drinking establishments, can claim retail rates relief of up to £1,000.
Lincoln BIG Chief Executive Matt Corrigan said: “This funding was announced by the government in early December.
“It is giving the money to local councils so that they can provide traders with discounts.
“This relief is in support of businesses in both 2014-15 and 2015-16.
“Businesses should have received details from the City of Lincoln Council’s Revenues and Benefits staff but, if not, they can contact them for the appropriate grant application form. Businesses need to keep a copy of their submitted form for three years.”
Traders will continue to pay their non-domestic rates bill whilst their application for relief is being processed.
However, once approved, the amount granted will reflect in the numbers for the remaining rate instalments.
Matt Corrigan added: “The government is also encouraging the take-up of empty shop premises by giving local authorities money to allow them to provide a 50% discount for 18 months to businesses which move into commercial premises which have been empty for a year or more.
“Businesses need to move into these empty properties between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2016, in order to qualify.”
