Grants for businesses ordered to close

The grant scheme, which opens today, will pay qualifying businesses grants worth up to £3,000 per month while they are forced to remain closed as part of national restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Businesses forced to temporarily close to the public from 5 November – such as non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses – that were open until the widespread national restrictions began can now claim a fixed grant of £1,334, £2,000 or £3,000 for the four week national lockdown period, with the grant amount depending on the rateable value of the premises.

Those premises with a rateable value of £15,000 and under are eligible for £1,334, premises from £15,000 to £51,000 are eligible for £2,000 and premises with a rateable value of £51,000 and over are eligible for £3,000.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council is distributing the grant according to a strict national eligibility criteria, and is encouraging all eligible businesses to apply by going online to Local restrictions grant as soon as possible.

For affected businesses without a rateable value or businesses that are severely impacted rather than closed, a separate discretionary grant scheme, known as the Additional restrictions grant will also be launched shortly. The Borough Council is reviewing national guidance and urgently developing this discretionary scheme which will be published online along with details on eligibility and the application process as soon as possible.

Council Leader Stuart Bray added:

This is an absolute priority, we are determined to get the grants out to our local businesses as soon as we possibly can to mitigate the impact of this four week lockdown on the local economy. We appreciate it’s a very worrying time and we are determined to do all we can to help our local businesses.

For more information about Local restrictions grant, including eligibility, frequently asked questions and how to apply.