A SCHEME which could pay up to 100 per cent of certain types of borough firms' business rates is closing soon with companies urged to get involved.

The Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) has been launched to support firms impacted by coronavirus but who have not been eligible for previous business rates related support schemes.

Oldham Council was allocated £4.2m to distribute to Oldham businesses.

Deputy leader of the council, who is also Cabinet member for finance and low carbon, Cllr Abdul Jabbar, said: “We want to get 100 per cent of the grant into the hands of local businesses.

“It’s here to support you after a difficult two years so if you think you could be eligible, please apply as soon as possible.

“The CARF is open to a wide range of sectors so if your business has been hit hard by the pandemic and has had difficulty adapting, please visit the website for more details.

"But please hurry, the scheme closes on Thursday, March 31, so the sooner you apply, the quicker we can help you.”

Awards of business rates relief will be made towards a business’s 2021/22 rates bill.

If the award of a relief puts the rate account into credit, the credit could be used to offset any other outstanding business rates liability, or the 2022/23 business rates bill.

Alternatively, the council will be able to provide a refund of the credit.

Companies must be able to provide evidence of how they have been adversely affected by Covid-19, for example:

• Accounts showing turnover before the pandemic and currently.

• Bank statements showing business activity before the pandemic and now.

The following property types are not eligible as they have previously been eligible for rate relief through other support schemes:

• Shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues those used for assembly and leisure

• Hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering accommodation.

Businesses who think they could be eligible are invited to apply now at www.oldham.gov.uk/carf.