Nearly 2,000 businesses across Bath and North East Somerset forced to close as a result of the third national lockdown have received more than £12m in support grants.
Bath & North East Somerset Council had processed 1,825 applications by Wednesday of last week, paying out a total of £11m in support grants and £1.4m in discretionary awards.
The council has also written to a further 115 companies asking for further details to support their claim.
With new claims being received daily, the council said it is working to process these as quickly as possible while ensuring they meet eligibility criteria.
Deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, Cllr Richard Samuel, said: “We know these grants are a lifeline to many businesses forced to close as a result of lockdown and we are processing the applications as quickly as possible.
“Last month we emailed 1,600 businesses who’d previously received a Local Restrictions Support Grant to let them know them know that they could reapply for more financial assistance.
“If you have not applied for a grant before and you think you may be eligible, please apply as soon as possible. If you would like some help and advice with your application, then contact Our Invest in Bath team.”
Businesses should only make a new application for support if they have not previously applied for the grant. They can apply by visiting: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information-and-advice/help-businesses
The LRSG (Closed) Addendum payment is designed to support businesses that were open as usual and providing services to customers in person from their premises but were then required to close as a result of the lockdown imposed on January 5.
The grant is for businesses in the following sectors that pay business rates on their premises:
- Non-essential retail
- Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities
- Entertainment venues
- Personal care services
- Hospitality venues, such as restaurants, bars and pubs
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs.
Qualifying businesses will receive an LRSG(C)A payment together with a Closed Business Lockdown Payment for each property liable for business rates from the period January 5 to February 15.
Properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or under will receive £2,001 LRSG(C)A and £4,000 Closed Business Lockdown Payment
Properties with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £50,999 will receive £3,000 LRSG(C)A and £6,000 Closed Business Lockdown Payment
Properties will a rateable value of £51,000 or over will receive £4,500 LRSG(C)A and £9,000 Closed Business Lockdown Payment
Discretionary grants are also available for businesses that are open but have been severely impacted by the restrictions. Businesses that are mandated to close but are not registered for business rates may also be eligible. To claim this, one of the following must also apply:
The business is not a business rate payer of the premises it trades from, or occupies, and is required to close (this includes businesses registered for Council Tax);
The business is not required to close and has closed due to a significant impact on trading (this applies to both businesses registered for business rates and those not registered);
The business is continuing to operate, but with significantly reduced demand due to social distancing rules (this applies to both businesses registered for business rates and those not registered).
The amount of discretionary grant awarded will depend on the size of the workforce or the rateable value of the premises.
For more information on the LRSG(C)A grants and eligibility criteria, visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Visit www.investinbath.co.uk to find out about the range of support and advice available to local businesses.
