Additional business grant to support those hit by lockdown
Businesses across Test Valley affected by the national restrictions are set to receive hundreds of thousands of pounds as Test Valley Borough Council launches a new grant scheme.
At the end of October, the government announced a new Local Restrictions Support Grant for businesses required to close during the November lockdown, which allowed them to apply for a grant of up to up to £3,000 for every 28-day period they were shut.
But for businesses that didn’t meet the criteria, the government has provided further funding for local authorities to rollout an Additional Restrictions Grant Scheme.
This will be made available to those in the retail, hospitality, leisure and events sectors that have not been forced to close during lockdown but whose turnover has been significantly affected by the closure of their direct customer base.
It also covers businesses that do not pay business rates but have been forced to close, such as market traders or those providing bed and breakfast accommodation.
The grants will see up to £3,000 paid to businesses affected by the national restrictions in place between 5 November to 2 December. The full eligibility criteria, further guidance and an application form can be found at www.testvalley.gov.uk/businessgrant
There is currently no closing date for applications but the council is urging businesses to apply as soon as possible.
Finance portfolio holder, councillor Maureen Flood, said: “So many businesses have been indirectly affected by the lockdown closures and this will hopefully provide them with a valuable lifeline to see them through an incredibly difficult period.
“Our teams are working hard to ensure that these grants are paid as quickly as possible and we would urge all those eligible to apply.”