Businesses encouraged to grab grants

In December the Chancellor announced that £683m of targeted grants would be made available for rated businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England.

A further £102m of discretionary grant funding is being provided to councils in England to support similar non-rated businesses through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) fund.

Grant recipients must be solvent businesses, and from either the hospitality, leisure or accommodation sectors including pubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, cinemas or amusement parks.

The grants are paid per premises and the amount paid will vary depending on the rateable value of each eligible premises:

An extra £30m of funding is available through the Culture Recovery Fund to support organisations in England such as theatres, orchestras and museums through the winter.

Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's executive member for placemaking and economy, said: "This funding provides a critical lifeline for businesses that are suffering during the Omicron outbreak and I would encourage businesses that have been financially-impacted to claim the support available.

"The claim process is via an online form and eligible claims will be paid within 14 days. Do make the claim as soon as possible as the grants will be paid on a first come first served basis."

A dedicated contact centre has been established to help local businesses navigate which grant may be applicable to their business and can offer initial advice on potential eligibility. Telephone 01934 888 114 during office hours.

Further guidance on how to claim, as well as the claim form, are available on the North Somerset Council website and applications must be submitted by Friday 18 March 2022. Go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/omicronsupportgrants.