Lockdown business support grants open for applications

The Local Restrictions Support Grants which were announced by the UK Government earlier this month will support businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020. Eligible businesses must also have a Business Rates account number and be liable for Business Rates during this period.

Businesses that have been forced to close but are still operating a takeaway or click and collect service may still be eligible for a grant. However businesses that have chosen to close but have not been required to will not be eligible for this grant and should not apply.

The value of the grants will be based on the rateable value of the business property and will cover the 28 day period of the national lockdown (5 November to 2 December 2020).

Payments will be made as follows:

• Businesses occupying properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or under can get a grant payment of £1,334
• Businesses occupying properties with a rateable value between £15,001 and £50,999 can get a grant payment of £2,000
• Businesses occupying properties with a rateable value of £51,000 and over can get a grant payment of £3,000.

Cllr Rowena Hay, cabinet member for finance, says: “We’re acutely of the impact that this second national lockdown is having on local businesses in Cheltenham, coming at what is normally a really critical trading period in the run up to Christmas. These latest business support grants are incredibly welcome therefore and will represent a lifeline for many.

“During the first lockdown in the spring, Cheltenham Borough Council was amongst the first local authorities in the country to activate our business grants and to start getting money out to businesses without delay. I know we’ll do everything we can to ensure this is the case this time around.”

Eligible businesses can apply now via Cheltenham Borough Council’s website: www.cheltenham.gov.uk/covid-19-business-grants

Once received, all applications will be validated and a decision made as to whether the business is eligible and how much is payable. Payments will then be made as quickly as possible.

Criteria for a second, discretionary grant scheme, aimed at businesses that may not have been forced to close but have been severely impacted by the latest lockdown is currently being assessed Cheltenham Borough Council will publish details of this scheme on its website once available.

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