Decision details

In response to the Coronavirus the Government announced there would be further support for small businesses and businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. A grant payment would be made to qualifying ratepayers administered by the Local Authority.
The Government have provided guidance and eligibility criteria.
The cost of the scheme will be funded by way of a S.31 grant payment from government on 1 April 2020 to cover the cost of providing grant payments to eligible businesses.
The council is administering and managing the schemes essentially on behalf of government and is responsible for the administration and payment of the grant monies. The additional costs involved in the administration of this scheme is intended to be reimbursed by the government using new burdens funding.

That the Chief Executive and s151 Officers of Chorley Council approve payment of the business grants in line with the government guidance and the council’s own procedure

There are no other options, the council must administer this grant scheme at a total estimated cost of £24m
The Chief Executive and S151 Officer will be responsible for ensuring that appropriate processes and control are in place to minimise fraud whilst also promoting the prompt payments to businesses.