£10k business grant

summerfit04

Help...I have just been emailed by my local  council about the 2nd business grant but I am now no longer at the premises where I made the original claim. The email states that if the business has ceased or no longer at the original premises then the £10k has to be paid back. I used the grant to pay the rent and bills but at the end of my lease decided I could no longer viably continue there so didn’t renew. I am in the leisure industry (yoga, massage) so haven’t had chance to really get back going again before being in an area of tier 3 before this new national lockdown. Am at my nerves ends now as I don’t have the money to pay back. Was this ever stipulated at the time of the grant that it would have to be paid back? 

Jonesy1977

Are you sure it was the council that have emailed you?  check the reference numbers and email address.  It sounds like that is a scam.  

summerfit04

Yes it’s legit from Rotherham council

Jeremy535897

The council is incorrect. The grant was not available to businesses that were in the process of liquidation or dissolution at the time of claim, but businesses that subsequently moved, or failed, are not liable to repay the grant (unless there has been fraud). See https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/907955/business-support-grants-funding-schemes-local-authorities-guidance-v6.pdf

Jeremy535897

It took me some time to find it, but see these early FAQs (from South Norfolk, but widely applicable) at
https://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Covid-19-Grant-Funding-FAQ-Apr20.pdf

Note in particular question 21
"If a hereditament does not resume trading after the shutdown, is it still eligible for a cash grant? Yes, as long as the business is not in liquidation or dissolved when the grant is awarded, and otherwise meets all applicable conditions (including not being an undertaking in distress on 21 December 2019 – see Q73), it is eligible for a grant."

While it does not specifically say the grant need not be repaid, I think that has to be taken as read. There would be no point in the example quoted above claiming if they then immediately had to repay it.

summerfit04

Thank you so much for taking the time to look this up...much appreciated

Jonesy1977

Thanks @Jeremy535897 I felt this was not legitimate but perhaps triggered by a change in address or break of lease.  I hope this is correct and provides some clarity/comfort for the OP.