Bridgend Council announces new support package to help businesses make their COVID-19 comeback

A phased series of concessionary rent rates will be introduced to support small and medium-sized businesses in Bridgend County Borough as reopening continues following the pandemic lockdown.

Traders will receive a 75 per cent reduction in August, a 50 per cent reduction in September, and a 25 per cent reduction for October.

While the pandemic has been in effect, businesses have not had to pay rent for the last four months to use premises owned by Bridgend County Borough Council.

Free car parking provision which has been in place at the council’s town centre car parks is also being extended by a further month as part of the support.

Cllr Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, said: “This support is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses such as stall holders at Bridgend Indoor Market and Maesteg Outdoor Market, occupants of industrial starter units and more.

“The council suspended rents while the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic lockdown was in effect as part of an additional £200,000 package of support. Now that businesses are open and trading once more, a phased series of rent concessions will give them some much-needed breathing space as they seek to recover and return to normal.

“We are also extending the free town centre car parking at council-maintained car parks to offer extra support, and are encouraging people to shop locally and safely.”

Other support offered by the council has included the processing and awarding of more than £28m in financial support grants, free start-back training, certification and window stickers to reassure customers, free ‘sneeze-guard’ equipment and more.