Decision details

Approval of the Local Restrictions Support Grant Policy is required to enable prompt implementation and payment of this financial support for businesses, should local restrictions be imposed.

On 9 September, the government announced financial support for businesses that are required to close through localised restrictions being put in place to manage coronavirus and save lives. The Chancellor announced changes to the scheme on 12 October 2020. The Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme will provide grants in the financial year 2020-2021 for each two-week period that a business is closed following the implementation of statutory localised restrictions and business closures.
Grants of up to £1,500 will be paid to eligible business rate payers. This amount is based on the position at time of signing and may be subject to minor revisions should government guidance be changed. There will be further discretionary funding to support businesses that
•are required to close, but do not themselves pay rates (e.g. they occupy a shared premises), or
•may have no choice but to close, because their suppliers or those they supply to are required to close.
The schemes will be implemented should localised restrictions be imposed and will only apply to the specified businesses within the designated geographical area as identified in the restrictions. The government will confirm details on the value of funding based on the level of restrictions imposed and the expected number of businesses that would be affected. Should the level of expenditure exceed £499,999 then Cabinet approval will be sought and there is recognition that this may need to be retrospective.

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