APPLICATIONS for the Government’s Local Restrictions Support Grant are now open in Copeland.
Copeland Borough Council has launched the scheme which will support businesses that are required to close under the current lockdown restrictions.
Eligible businesses are those that have been forced to close by Government and include non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses.
A single grant to cover a four-week period will be paid to each eligible business. These grant amounts will be fixed.
The rate of payment for eligible businesses will be as follows, businesses with a rateable value of:
- exactly £15,000 or under, will receive £1,334.
- more than £15,000 and less than £51,000, will receive £2,000.
- exactly £51,000 or above, will receive £3,000.
Businesses with more than one qualifying property will receive more than one grant.
To qualify, businesses must be in Copeland and have been:
- open as usual before the November lockdown restrictions
- providing services in person to customers from the premises
- required to close due to restrictions imposed by Government
- paying business rates for the premises before restrictions commenced
If the main business has closed, and are operating a click and collect service, they can still apply.
Businesses that received grants through the first lockdown period are being offered a fast-track service to ensure they receive the funds without delay.
The Council is currently finalising the process for a second grant, the Additional Restrictions Grant, for businesses that are severely impacted by the current lockdown restrictions but are not legally forced to close. More information will be available in due course.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “We understand how tough businesses are finding the second lockdown and the restrictions imposed.
“We are making grants available to those who have been forced to close and those severely impacted.
“We will do everything in our power to support Copeland’s businesses through these unprecedented, and challenging times and I’d again like to thank our Business Rates team for working day and night to make grants available as soon as we possibly can.
“During the first round of grants their hard work and determination was noticed and appreciated by Copeland’s businesses and I’m certain it will be the same this time round.”
To apply for the Government’s Local Restrictions Support Grant businesses can visit Copeland Council’s website at https://www.copeland.gov.uk/coronavirus-resources-business
