The application process for the Government’s grant for businesses in South Lakeland affected by the current coronavirus restrictions is now open.
Administered by South Lakeland District Council, the Additional Restrictions Grant is a one-off discretionary grant scheme for businesses from sectors that may have been severely impacted by the move to Plan B restrictions in December and the spread of the Omicron variant, but not eligible for the main Omicron and Hospitality and Leisure Grant schemes.
Councillor Robin Ashcroft, portfolio holder for economy, culture and leisure, said: “The allocation from Government for this fourth round of Additional Restrictions Grants is significantly lower than previous ARG top-ups and, as a result, the eligibility criteria is very limited, although we have some discretion in determining which businesses to support within that national criteria.
“We have sought to set up a scheme to provide as much meaningful support to as many eligible businesses as possible. SLDC remains as committed to doing everything we can to support businesses as we were before the pandemic, since the start of the pandemic and into the future.”
Applicants are urged to ensure they are eligible using the criteria on the council’s website, and also refer to the Additional Restrictions Grant Checklist to ensure they have the relevant information before applying to support their online application. Applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant will close at noon on Friday March 11.
Applications are also still open for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grants of up to £6,000, aimed at easing the dual impact of staff absences and lower consumer demand while Plan B restrictions were in place.
Recipients of that grant must be solvent businesses, and ratepayers in the hospitality and leisure sector. For example, a pub; hotel; restaurant; bar; cinema; tourist attraction or village hall. A full eligibility criteria is on the SLDC website. Applications for the Omicron Grant will close at midday on Friday March 18.
Grants are per eligible premises and the amount paid is varied by rateable value (RV) of each eligible premises, in three bands: RV of £0-15,000 (will receive £2,667); RV of £15,000-£51,000 (will receive £4,000); and RV of over £51,000 (will receive £6,000).
Details about eligibility and a link to the application form can be found at: https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/business-and-trade/business-support-grants-coronavirus-covid-19/
