John Baron MP highlights Local Restrictions Support Grants

MP encourages everyone to be familiar with guidance

Last month the Government announced it would provide funding to businesses that are required to close as part of localised restrictions to control the coronavirus outbreak. Guidance has now been published for both local authorities and businesses [please see ‘Notes to Editors’ below]. Local Restrictions Support Grants will provide up to £1,500 per business property for those business that are required to close for a significant amount of time. In addition, local authorities will be provided with a discretionary element of funding to support businesses outside the business rating system that are required to close, as well as other key businesses that are severely affected by localised restrictions, such as those that normally rely on in-person services but which are unable to offer these services.

John said,

“I welcome this package of support for businesses and local authorities, as both will require assistance should our area be required to undergo extra restrictions in order to help control the spread of the coronavirus. I would encourage everyone to be familiar with the guidance, so we are all prepared should a restriction be necessary in our area.”

Notes to Editors:

• Businesses that occupy a premises with a rateable value of less than £51,000 will receive £1,000, whilst those that occupy one with a rateable value of £51,000 or above will receive £1,500

• Payments will be triggered if businesses closures last more than three weeks, and grants will be paid for each three-week period that closures are extended.

• Business that are still subject to national closures (such as nightclubs) will not be eligible under these schemes.

• For guidance for businesses, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-youre-eligible-for-the-coronavirus-local-restrictions-support-grant.

• For guidance for local authorities, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-local-restrictions-support-grant-guidance-for-local-authorities.