Struggling businesses to share £5m relief fund

Struggling businesses in Barnsley are set to benefit from a £5m relief package in a bid to boost the town's high street, a council said.

Eligible firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors could get up to 60% of their rates covered, as well as cash from a business support fund to help keep costs down.

Barnsley Council said the relief would help around 630 businesses - including start-ups - though national chains would be excluded.

A council spokesperson said the measures would help businesses absorb cost increases and help to sustain current levels of employment and economic activity.

Out of the £5m, around £3.5m has been assigned to cover business rates with a cap for each business of £110,000.

In addition, rent reductions of 25% will be offered to tenants of the Glassworks and Alhambra shopping centres, as well as to traders in the borough's indoor and outdoor markets, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Meanwhile, the £500,000 business support fund will include tailored advice, workshops and dedicated key account managers with experience in the retail and hospitality sectors.

The scheme also features a £500,000 fund to provide additional support to businesses facing "unique challenges".

Each business receiving relief would be required to meet with a business support adviser to help them navigate challenges, access further resources and grow.

The spokesperson said: "Businesses that are already receiving government relief for these sectors will benefit from the additional support, while any new businesses moving to Barnsley will also be eligible for the scheme."

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