Businesses in England most impacted by the Omicron variant will be able to tap into a multimillion-pound support package in the coming weeks, as the government has delivered funding to councils across the country.
Whilst the funding primarily targets those in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors, many of which have seen a decline in footfall and increased cancellations due to the Omicron variant, those who supply the industries will also be eligible for additional discretionary funding. Hospitality and leisure businesses will be able to apply for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises depending on rateable value:
- businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or above: £6,000
- businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000: £4,000
- businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or below: £2,667
In addition, more than £100 million worth of discretionary funding is also being made available for local authorities to support other businesses.
The grant funding forms part of a £1 billion support package which includes an additional £30 million for the Culture Recovery Fund and reintroducing the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme – reimbursing eligible businesses for the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for COVID-related absences.
Businesses are encouraged to apply to their council for grant funding which will be administered over the coming weeks. Find your local authority on GOV.UK.
