By Dr Katharine Harvey - Chief Economic Development Officer - Folkestone & Hythe District Council
"Dear Business Owner
I wanted to provide an update on some of the key initiatives to support businesses in our district:
Coronavirus Business Grant Scheme for businesses in Folkestone & Hythe District - all businesses that are eligible for these grants have been contacted by our Business Rates Team by email or post. To access this grant some details are required to make these payments, so please see the link below to where this information can be provided on an electronic form. Our systems require software changes to make these payments, so please bear with us while these are being implemented. However, please be assured that we are working as hard as possible to get these grants to you as soon as we can. https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/business-grant-fund
Local Telephone Help Line for Folkestone & Hythe businesses - the council has part-funded a dedicated business support telephone helpline which is being run through the Kent & Medway Growth Hub by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC). The helpline number is 0333 3602300 and will be open 8:30am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Folkestone & Hythe High Street Fund - launched in Oct 2019, this grant scheme supports improvements and encourages new and innovative ideas to help our high streets adapt and thrive in the future. The fund is still open for applications but these will not be reviewed until September. The Economic Development team will not be able to offer support in developing project ideas during this time, but all approved projects will continue to be processed.
Independent Retail & Hospitality Business Support Programme - this support programme covers all elements of a business review, including how to best use social media and/or other platforms to continue to trade during these difficult times. Any businesses in Folkestone & Hythe interested in accessing this support, please email economy@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk.
As part of this initiative a webinar is to be held explaining two new initiatives that have come out of the current covid-19 situation which are designed to help local businesses - Ben Pearce from digitalbeans, a leading digital agency based in Canterbury, who has launched a FREE online store solution: https://yourlocal.delivery/, designed to support local businesses in Kent and Floortje Hoette, Chief Executive of Produced in Kent, who has created a new directory website Help Kent Buy Localhttps://helpkentbuylocal.co.uk/. The webinar details are Friday 3rd April, 2-3pm; Help Kent Buy Local;https://zoom.us/j/832545779?pwd=QzIzNldoSWV0TlZ5RXptWXJtRWhkQT09; Password: 739080
As part of the settlement reached with Ofwat last year following its investigations, we will reduce wastewater charges to existing customers and make payments to eligible former customers totalling £123 million over five years.
For existing customers, this will be in the form of a bill reduction starting on 1 April 2020. In the first year, this will be approximately £14 per customer. In the following four years it will be approximately £9.
Sandgate Library, James Morris Court, Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3RR
As part of their commitment to listening to and working with local residents, Tim Prater and Gary Fuller, the new Lib Dem District Councillors for Sandgate and West Folkestone, will be holding regular drop-in advice surgeries in the ward each month.
No need for an appointment - just turn up to discuss any issue you would like our help with. The surgeries are in a public place: if you'd prefer to speak to Tim or Gary one-to-one then please contact them directly and we can set up a personal meeting with you.
The Government announced earlier in March that all businesses that received full Small Business Rate Relief would qualify for a £10,000 grant (non-repayable). There is now more news on this scheme, and for Folkestone and Hythe businesses a form to complete to claim the payment.
Please note that I will link ONLY to the Folkestone and Hythe District Council website here for security to reassure you I'm not operating a scam.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council are granting free parking permits for registered carers and pharmacists - on top of those already provided for NHS staff and doctors.
Free permits will also be issued to those involved in the volunteer community support hubs set up by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
We would like to update you on Rising Sun's response to the Covid-19 outbreak. This will be reviewed as the situation progresses and government guidelines develop.
We are very concerned that self-isolation and social distancing restrictions will present increasing challenges and risks for survivors of domestic abuse and their families. We anticipate there will be increased household tension and domestic violence due to forced coexistence, economic stress, and fears about the virus.
Grants for businesses in Folkestone & Hythe District - to access grants some details are required by the Business Rates Team to make these payments. Please see the link below to the council's corporate website to provide this information on an electronic form https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/business-grant-fund
Self-employment Income Support Scheme - the government yesterday announced further support for the self-employed individuals (including members of partnerships) who have lost income due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Guidance for UK businesses trading internationally - advice is for UK businesses that export or deliver goods and services abroad and have been impacted by the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: guidance for staff in the transport sector - Updated 26 March 2020 - guidance to assist transport settings in addressing coronavirus (COVID-19).
The following update, regarding the Rainbow Centre, has been sent out by John Burgess, the Manager of the Homeless Support Service to various stakeholders:
"Please note that the Homeless Support Service is implementing some changes in response to the Coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak.
We are delighted to hear that Folkestone and Hythe District Council have placed those individuals who we know to be rough sleeping, into emergency accommodation.
