Self Employment

AJK1966

Hi, can anyone help me please?  I bought a house with a pool to start my own swim school.......had to battle the council and neighbours for 2 years (whilst operating) to gain planning permission, for business use.  Forward to now, I have no income, but very large overheads, I operate as self employed, with a small business.  I applied for the small business grant, but have been told that I do not qualify as I was never assessed for business rates. I assumed this would have been automatic when the business planning use was given?
Has anyone got any advice please, loopholes or guidance?

Thanks you

Jeremy535897

Applying for planning permission to use part of your home and grounds as a business will not necessarily mean you pay rates. Do you pay council tax on your home? 

See https://www.gov.uk/introduction-to-business-rates/working-at-home

Grumpy_chap

You say you have been operating for two years as self employed, with a small business.  I am not sure whether you therefore mean self employed or a small Ltd Co.  Either option could mean there is something available, either SEISS (if self employed) or furlough CJRS (if Ltd Co).  The bounce back loan may also be an option under the latter, but full details will not be out until next week on that.

lincroft1710

It is probably one of those situations the pool is considered dual usage, can be used both for the business and by the business owner's family so will not fall to be assessed for business rates.