Claiming if not rate payer.

tonievans

Hi, 
My mum's landlord has sublet to her. As such the landlord has informed her that only the landlord can claim the grant and it will be to cover her rent. My mum pays the utility bills for the shop but the shop isn't in her name. She is behind on bills for the shop insurance etc, not to mention her own house bills/rent etc. Would the money not be to help with those other shop bills too? She only has a year of tax so not eligible for any help as someone self employed.  We'd be grateful for any advice and help. 

Jeremy535897

If the landlord is saying she doesn't have to pay rent for a period, that is more than they have to do. I would guess utility bills are low if the shop is closed. Technically it is the occupier who is responsible for the rates on occupied property, but that depends on circumstances. Your mother will not have been on the rating list at 11 March 2020, the primary condition of eligibility. See the detailed guidance, particularly paragraphs 32 to 42:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/878807/business_support_grants-local_authorities_guidance.pdf

max48

Morning all.
We pay business rates via our landlord so do not have an account number to apply for the Small Business Grant, £10k grant would really help our small business at this time where most of our trade has stopped, anyone have any other ideas?

Jeremy535897

max48 said:

Morning all.
We pay business rates via our landlord so do not have an account number to apply for the Small Business Grant, £10k grant would really help our small business at this time where most of our trade has stopped, anyone have any other ideas?

See my post in response to the previous question. If you are self employed you might be eligible for SEISS:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

tonievans

Jeremy535897 said:

If the landlord is saying she doesn't have to pay rent for a period, that is more than they have to do. I would guess utility bills are low if the shop is closed. Technically it is the occupier who is responsible for the rates on occupied property, but that depends on circumstances. Your mother will not have been on the rating list at 11 March 2020, the primary condition of eligibility. See the detailed guidance, particularly paragraphs 

Thanks for the info. It just seems really unfair that the landlord is able to claim for something she doesn't have to pay anything for (other than the rent). Other than utilities, my mum has to renew her contents insurance (500 on its own) and pay suppliers. There is quite a lot owed now, as even before official shut down, nobody was wanting to chance getting their hair done! 

Anyway, I'm waffling! The only thing she can  do now it seems is apply for a loan. I appreciate your comment.