THE deadline for businesses to apply to Worcestershire.Business.Central for up to £4,500 in grant funding to counter the effects of the recent flooding, has been pushed back to Wednesday, April 30. The decision has been made by the multi-agency Flood Recovery Group that has worked together to co-ordinate and support the clean-up and recovery operations for affected businesses as well as residents.

"A few affected businesses have indicated they would benefit from having more time to apply as their immediate focus has been on dealing with the clean-up and getting back open for business," said Councillor Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, skills and Infrastructure, after meeting with several affected businesses to hear their concerns first-hand.

He added: "We have, therefore, agreed to extend the deadline until the end of April but we are keen to receive those applications as soon as possible so we can ensure that even more businesses benefit promptly from the money that is available."

The grants awarded to each business will be at the discretion of Worcestershire County Council and its partner district councils. Applications are being assessed for categorisation as either: Priority One – businesses that have had water in their premises, eligible for a maximum of £4,500 or Priority Two – businesses that have been indirectly affected by the flooding of the road where it trades, claims can be made for up to £2,250.

Further support exists in the form of a non-means tested grant of up to £5,000 grant, which householders as well as businesses can apply to pay for repairs that will improve a property’s ability to withstand future flooding. Flooded businesses can also apply to their local district council for business rate relief for a period of three months.