Archive for category: News

Businesses across Oxfordshire that are yet to submit their details for grant support in response to COVID-19 should do so as soon as possible, including those who already receive 100 per cent rate relief.

Cherwell District Council, Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council are working to ensure that those who are eligible for support receive their money as quickly as possible.

The councils are contacting businesses directly to remind them to submit their requests and are urging all those who haven’t already done so, and who need funding support, to go to their respective council’s website and complete the online form.

The councils have confirmed that businesses which receive 100 per cent rate relief, who therefore do not pay any rates, may still be eligible for this grant and should continue to submit their details if they need financial assistance.

The councils also want to assure all eligible businesses that this grant does not need to be paid back.

For more information and to confirm eligibility for a Business Grant go to:

• Cherwell – cherwell.gov.uk/business
• Oxford – oxford.gov.uk/supportforbusiness
• South Oxfordshire – southoxon.gov.uk/businessrates
• Vale of White Horse – whitehorsedc.gov.uk/businessrates
• West Oxfordshire – westoxon.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/coronavirus-business-and-licensing

Additional information for businesses about the grants

Businesses receiving Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rates Relief who wish to receive grants of £10,000 are required to provide information via the form on their respective council website. Awards will be considered in accordance with government guidelines.

Businesses which are in receipt of the Enhanced Retail Discount for 2020/21 and have a rateable value of up to £15,000 which are not covered by the Small Business Grant Fund will also receive a grant of £10,000, in accordance with Government guidelines. Retail Leisure and Hospitality business properties with a rateable value between £15,001 and £50,999 will receive a grant of £25,000.

Businesses are eligible for a grant on more than one property, providing they meet the criteria. However, they must submit a separate form for each property.

Note: The self-employed in urgent need of financial assistance should apply for Universal Credit and Council Tax Reduction. This will provide support until a grant for the self-employed becomes available in June.

For more information please visit – gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support

SODC has reopened its paid for bulky waste collection service for large household items and is also issuing a warning about fly-tipping while other outlets for domestic waste remain closed.

Aston Rowant Cricket Club needs to carry out some necessary ground work on the cricket pitch. This will involve both pitches being sprayed on today (16th April) from 1500hrs. There will be some notices and rope in place to advise and remind people, but it is requested that no-one walks on the grass between Thursday afternoon and Monday morning. This includes animals.

It is advised that all dogs should be kept on leads whilst walking on the Moors Path past the cricket pitches. Please do share this information with anyone you know who regularly walks that way. The Cricket Club welcomes people to use the area whenever it is possible, but please do respect this notice and ensure you stay off the grounds until the notices are removed.

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable John Campbell has given a video update on how the force is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

See Your Community > Police.

South Oxfordshire is putting a range of measures in place to help people who are affected financially by the Coronavirus pandemic, including support for individuals.

The government has confirmed details of a £500million hardship fund.  Under this scheme, those in receipt of Council Tax Reduction will receive a minimum of £150 off their council tax bill for 2020/2021, unless their bill is less than £150, in which case their bill will be reduced to zero. This is in addition to any support they already receive.

The council is now working to confirm the amount each individual qualifying household will receive off their bill – as soon as this is complete, revised bills will be issued.

Where possible, bill payers should continue to pay their bills as normal.  If someone is genuinely having difficulty paying their council tax, they should contact the council tax team on  or 0345 302 2313.

Those who are currently not being paid, and are struggling to pay their bill, are encouraged to apply for Council Tax Reduction – their account will then be put on hold for 30 days while their application is processed.

To apply for Council Tax Reduction please visit southoxon.gov.uk/ctrs 

For more information about support and advice for individuals please visit southoxon.gov.uk/covid19