Published: Thursday, 19th November 2020
The application process for the Government’s new Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme to support businesses that have had to close as a result of the second coronavirus lockdown is now open.
Eligible businesses include those who were trading on 4 November 2020, registered for business rates, and have been told they must shut by law under the national lockdown rules such as non-essential retail shops, cafes, restaurants and bars as well as hairdressers and beauty salons. Certain businesses remaining open for Click and Collect or takeaway services may also be eligible if they have had to close their in-store services.
Applications can be made through the borough council website. Depending on whether a business meets the eligibility criteria set by the Government and their rateable value, grants range from £1,334 to £3,000 for the 28-day lockdown period.
Stuart Dark MBE, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Public Protection said: “These grants will be a lifeline for many businesses who have had to close their doors again because of the second lockdown, many of whom were only just getting back on their feet. We are urging any business that has been told to shut by law to check their eligibility through the borough council website.
“The borough council have already paid out nearly £40m speedily and effectively to more than 3000 businesses in grants earlier this year and are ready to do this again, we are aiming to process applications within 10 working days.
“We want to get the message out about this grant across west Norfolk and are proactively going through our database, contacting business forums like King’s Lynn BID, town and parish councils. We ask that people share this information so that those who are eligible, and need the grant, get it.”
Businesses can apply online at west-norfolk.gov.uk/businessrateshelp and will need their business rates account number and an up to date bank statement. Businesses who have not been forced by law to close will not be eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme.
To offer some support to those businesses not eligible under the Local Restrictions Support Grant the criteria for another scheme are currently being drawn up. Businesses can express their interest in the Additional Restrictions Support Grant using the form on the business rates help page of the borough council website. More details about this scheme will be published shortly.