Sheffield City Council delay business rate collection to help businesses affected by coronavirus

A spokesperson for Sheffield City Council said: “In order to properly reflect the Government's emerging schemes we are delaying the start of our 2020/21 business rate collection.

“No business rates payments will be requested in April until we have more detail from Government of how to administer the reliefs and grants. The earliest we will request payment is May.”

The announcement comes amid scores of Sheffield businesses announcing they have no choice but to close, after the government yesterday told people to avoid unnecessary social contact.

Pubs, bars and shops in Sheffield have announced their temporary closure over the last 24 hours, and schools have closed indefinitely as the number of UK cases jumped to 2,626.

The spokesperson added: “We are working with schools to ensure that virtual learning will take place wherever possible and provide support to families who do not have access to a computer or the internet.

“Schools will put in place their own individual arrangements in setting work for pupils during the closure and will be in contact with parents to inform them of these.

“We are also putting plans in place for children who receive free school meals and additional support at school.

“We will continue to closely monitor national guidance for updates on the closures and will provide regular updates in due course.”