Boff backs Boris’ fund - new riot help for Hackney businesses

A Hackney-based London Assembly Member has backed a new fund which was launched today (Wednesday) to help small businesses still suffering after the riots.

Conservative Andrew Boff praised the scheme, set up by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, which will offer grants of up to �2,000 to high street stores and offices directly affected by vandalism, arson, or looting during the riots earlier this month.

The new ‘High Street Fund’ has been created as a charity that business and individuals can pay into at branches of Barclays and Santander. It is hoped that �10m will be eventually raised through donations, and the money will only go to small businesses with 10 staff members or less.

Mr Boff said: “Small businesses in Hackney were hit hard by the riots and looting and this fund will help them get back trading again quickly, which is great news.

“It is good to see the Mayor and large firms supporting small local businesses in high streets, and town centres can get back to normal as soon as possible.

“The High Street Fund is an ongoing charity so I’ll be encouraging more individuals and companies to donate to help Hackney’s small businesses.”

The fund already has �3m in its coffers, thanks to donations by corporations such as BP, Santander, and Lloyds Banking Group. The Mayor also allocated �500,000.

Small businesses can make a claim at www.thehighstreetfund.co.uk.