Council welcomes support for riot-hit Manchester businesses

After discussions with Manchester and other English cities affected by disturbances, the Government announced yesterday a £20 million High Street Support Scheme.

The scheme will help affected businesses get back up and running. This is in addition to other compensation available.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester is determined to get back to business and not to allow the thuggish actions of a mindless minority to damage our great city.

"The coming weeks will be a difficult time for city centre businesses - a major source of employment for Manchester people - which are already suffering in difficult economic conditions.

"I raised the need for additional support with the Secretary of State for Communities, and we welcome the fact that central government has responded by announcing a package of support today. We will continue to monitor the situation and press the case for extra resources where we believe they are necessary."

The Council is also encouraging businesses to act fast to ensure they can access the available support, which includes compensation available under the Riot Damages Act - compensation which is also available to the uninsured. The period in which claims must be received has been extended from 14 days to 42 days.

Sir Richard added: "Together with Cityco, Greater Manchester Police and a range of partner agencies, we want to make sure that businesses affected by vandalism and theft are able to access the available support. Affected businesses are urged to contact the police, to obtain a crime number, and their insurers as soon as possible."

Detailed guidance for businesses has been issued by the British Retail Consortium (http://www.brc.org/), the Association of Convenience Stores - which includes advice for uninsured businesses - (http://www.acs.org.uk)  the Association of British Insurers (http://www.abi.org.uk/). Business Link can provide additional information for businesses - their national helpline number is 0845 6009006 and their website is http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/

Councillor Pat Karney, city centre spokesman for Manchester City Council, said residents also have an important role to play in helping businesses affected by the disturbances recover.

He said: "We need Mancunians - as well as people who visit the city - to show how proud they are of Manchester by supporting local businesses tonight and over the weekend.

"This means doing exactly what they would normally do, and going out to enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer - our bars, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and shops. The jobs of thousands of people in the city centre should not be jeopardised by the actions of these mindless thugs."