The Government has announced a new support scheme for businesses which were required to close due to the national lockdown restrictions introduced on 5 January 2021.
"Government has announced further financial support for businesses which have been forced to close since the current lockdown began on January 5 - or which can still trade but have been adversely impacted by it," says Shane Flynn, Worcester City Council's Director of Resources.
"The variety of grants available can seem bewildering – so if you haven't already done so, I urge Worcester business owners to make contact with the City Council's economic team, who can advise you on the grants you may be eligible for.All grant payments will be processed as quickly as possible.
"We're already making payments to businesses that we know were closed during November and December, so there is no need to reapply if you have registered your details on our website since 5 November.If you haven't already registered, please do so as soon as possible."
Businesses can register at:
www.worcester.gov.uk/business/lockdown-business-support-grant-january-onwards
You can contact the City Council's economic development team by emailing:
Three types of grant are available:
One-off Bonus Grant – 'Closed Business Lockdown Payment'
Businesses forced to close on 5 January may be eligible for a one-off grant, which is dependant on the rateable value of the business property:
- Rateable values of 15,000 and under will receive £4,000
- Rateable values of 15,001 to 50,999 will receive £6,000
- Rateable value of 51,000 and above will receive £9,000
Local Restrictions Support Grant 'Closed' January 5
Alongside the Closed Business Lockdown Payment, businesses required to close on 5 January may be eligible for a 42-day payment dependant on the rateable value of the business property:
- Rateable values of 15,000 and under will receive £2,001
- Rateable values of 15,001 to 50,999 will receive £3,000
- Rateable value of 51,000 and above will receive £4,500
Eligible businesses will receive both payments at one time, wherever possible.
Worcester businesses which have already applied for and received a grant during the November lockdown, or under Tier Two or Tier Three arrangements, do not need to apply for the January Lockdown Grant.The City Council will automatically make a payment to these businesses where it holds sufficient data to do so. All other Business Rates payers should contact the Council - including ratepayers who received a grant under the first lockdown from March 2020, but who did not subsequently apply between 5 November and 5 January.
Discretionary Lockdown Support Grant
This will support businesses which are not eligible under the Government's Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme, but have been affected by the national lockdown and continue to face loss of business as a result.
Businesses and organisations are eligible to apply if they:
- were trading on 5 January 2021
- are of any size, subject to the amount of the grant not exceeding state aid rules, including any temporary lifting of restrictions - this includes limited companies, partnerships, sole traders, charities and community interest companies
Businesses and organisations that have applied for the previous Local Restrictions Discretionary Grant during the November lockdown or under Tier Two or Tier Three and received a payment do not need to re-apply.The City Council will make an automatic payment to these businesses using previously submitted details.
All other businesses, including those which applied under the March 2020 lockdown but did not submit an application for 5 November onwards, must apply.
Further details of all the grants and how to apply is available at:www.worcester.gov.uk/business/lockdown-business-support-grant-january-onwards
