Relief will be available for ratepayers in the City of Hamilton to help them deal with the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Businesses and residents are to benefit from the programme, which the City said was set out on its website.

A press release explained: “Rates of relief differ substantially based on the type of relief being sought, from City taxes to City-owned property rents.

“Existing al fresco customers and business tenants of City-owned properties are also eligible for rent relief and need not submit an application.

“Landlords looking to take advantage of tax relief must formally apply to the City to be considered; meet the outlined criteria; and must agree to share the relief with their tenants.”

Dwayne Caines, the City’s chief operating officer, said: “We have a duty of care to our ratepayers to support them, where we can, as we all navigate towards a post-Covid-19 Bermuda.

“For some people, the financial impact has been devastating.

“It is our obligation to work with those who are eligible for relief so that their chances of survival and success are attainable.

“Without businesses, we have no Hamilton.

“The City has not been immune to the calamitous effects of Covid-19 but we’ve formulated a relief plan that we feel won’t compromise the level of service we provide, one that our ratepayers are accustomed to.”

Hard copies of the relief package can be collected from the City of Hamilton reception in City Hall, from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, July 24, 2020. Questions can be sent by e-mail to temporaryrelief@cityhall.bm.