Coronavirus: Small business owners waiting on much-needed grant from Redbridge Council after it was paid into wrong account
The owners of Fami Hair and Beauty are waiting on Redbridge Council to pay them their small business grant after it was mistakenly paid into the wrong account. Picture: Google Maps - Credit: Archant
Despite £50million available in small business grants for coronavirus relief, some Redbridge owners complain they have no idea when they’ll get their money.
Amit Sharma who owns Fami along with his wife applied for his small business grant more than two weeks ago. Picture: Amit Sharma - Credit: Archant
Through the small business grant and the retail, hospitality and leisure grant Redbridge Council has already paid out more than £16m. But some business owners are still waiting for their money after two weeks.
The council says it aims to pay out the grants within six business days.
Farah Aziz and Amit Sharma, who own Fami Hair and Beauty in Ilford, were paid after just two days but not to the account they listed on the application. They say the money went to an old account they no longer have access to.
More than a week after they submitted their application they called to check the status only to find out the council had deposited the funds into the wrong account.
Another business that is waiting for their money is Shugilite Salon. Picture: Google Maps - Credit: Archant
You may also want to watch:
Farah said: “Due to the council’s incompetence we are losing on the important grant which is needed to help our small business to cope with these tragic times.
“We are in a desperate situation.”
Most Read
- 1 Thirteen-year-old boy stabbed in Ilford
- 2 Restaurant apologises after allegations of verbal abuse between staff
- 3 'Cheating surge': Dating site reveals how many people are having affairs in your area
- 4 Vulnerable woman dies burning charcoal for warmth after gas and electricity are cut off
- 5 16-year-old arrested after woman reports sexual assault in South Woodford
- 6 Seven Kings School celebrates 90th birthday with fair
- 7 Young Citizen nominee: Esha, 4, who inspired thousands to join bone marrow donor list
- 8 Co-living development green-lit by council despite 'rabbit hutch' rooms
- 9 Hainault community garden gets £85k for 'ecotherapy' scheme
- 10 Met Office warns of flooding risk with heavy rain set to hit London
A council spokesman said: “The funds were paid into an account that the Council had been instructed by the business to take business rate direct debits from previously. The Council weren’t informed that this account was no longer active.
“The money has now been returned and we’re pleased to confirm that the funds will be paid into the businesses preferred account shortly.”
Speaking about the council’s general response for the grants the spokesman said: “We’ve already paid out more than £16million in grant funding to help revitalise the local business economy, and we’re working through claims as quickly as possible.
“We aim to process these within six working days, but some may regrettably take longer. Please bear with us at this exceptionally busy time.”
Rubila Amjad, who owns Shugilite Salon, in Green Lane, said she filed her application more than nine days ago but hasn’t received her money yet and can’t get through to the council to check the status.
She said: “My landlord is asking me for rent and I keep calling the council and their lines are busy and I can’t get through.”
Selina Rana, owner of Grace Hair and Beauty, which has branches in Seven Kings and Basildon, said she received her grant funds from Basildon Council within a week but hasn’t received a response from Redbridge Council yet.
She said: “I have no clue what is going to happen.
“When I called them today they said it could take up to two weeks.”
