NEW support grants have been launched to provide financial support to businesses affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Barrow Borough Council will distribute the funding on behalf of the government according to nationally-set eligibility criteria.
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) will provide one-off grants for businesses impacted by local Tier 2 restrictions placed upon Barrow Borough in October.
The grants are aimed at hospitality, hotel, bed and breakfasts where business rates apply, and leisure businesses.
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) is for businesses that were mandated to close because of the national lockdown.
This scheme is aimed at businesses in the non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality sectors to cover the period of November 5 to December 2.
Those that switched to click and collect or takeaway options are still eligible for the scheme.
Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, urged businesses to apply for the money – which does not have to be paid back – from the appropriate scheme.
“These schemes are now open and we need businesses to check their eligibility and get their applications in,” she said.
“Barrow was placed in Tier 2 in October because cases of coronavirus were escalating rapidly and people’s lives were at risk.
“Since then, the national lockdown was announced until December 2.
“Grants are now available for businesses across our area affected by both sets of restrictions and I would urge everyone eligible to apply as soon as possible.”
Grants for eligible businesses in Tier 2 areas are offered per 28-days spent under the restrictions.
Barrow was in Tier 2 for 19 days before the national lockdown was imposed which means payments will be available on a pro-rata basis.
Business owners are being urged to get in touch with Barrow Borough Council to see if they are among those who can claim the one-off cash award.
Cllr Thomson added: “This money is here to help businesses get through another difficult period this year.
“Please check to see if you might be eligible and apply so we can arrange a transfer to your account.”
Information on eligibility and how to apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) is available on the council’s website:
Information and eligibility and how to apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) is available here:
To access the grants, businesses will need to download the application form, supply the required information and email to LRSG@barrowbc.gov.uk
Alternatively, they can be posted to Business Support Grants, Barrow Borough Council, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD.
