Southwark businesses helped back on their feet after the riots

Southwark Council has announced details this afternoon (Weds 17) of how it will support businesses affected by the riots. 

Cllr Ian Wingfield, deputy leader of Southwark Council, said:

"Businesses are at the heart of the local economy, and the damage that was inflicted on them both large and small was truly awful and unwarranted. It's vital that we as a local authority do all we can to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible for the good of the community, and that is why we're offering this special support during a very difficult time for them, especially the smaller businesses."  

The council is doing the following to assist:

• An emergency recovery fund of £100,000 has been established to help small businesses in particular get back on their feet. We will closely review whether this provision is enough
• Businesses that have suffered hardship will be able to apply for temporary relief from the payment of their business rates.  The Council feels that this relief is entirely right to help compensate local small businesses for their lost trade and hardship during a period of significant disruption
• We expect that business rate relief for hardship cases to be available for a minimum of one month, from the date of the events, and longer in special circumstances. We will also be expecting full support from government
• We will bid for assistance from the Mayor of London's £70m fund and other Government schemes to help business areas and high streets in the borough
• Offering a one stop shop for business advice and help from the council's business desk on 0207 525 5353 (during office hours).

Background Information

To get further information and advice on how we can help you and for details of how to apply for the emergency recovery fund then call the business desk on 020 7525 5353, or email the business desk.

To apply for business rate relief, or for further information about it, please call 020 7525 5505.