Martin FullardThe Government has confirmed changes to business support for those forced to close in Tier 4 areas in England.
On top of measures such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILS) shemes, where businesses are required by law to close in Tier 4, they will be eligible for grants through the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum.
Local authorities will also be able to use their Additional Restrictions Grant to award discretionary grants or provide other business support.
The guidance says: “Payment of Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum Tier 4 will be paid on a 14-day payment cycle. The exception to this is those areas that were in Tier 2 or 3 for only one day prior to moving to Tier 4 who will receive an initial 15-day allocation (as if they had been in Tier 4 on 19 December).
“This funding will be provided on a rolling 14-day basis for as long as Tier 4 restrictions apply, in line with the grant offer letter sent to Local Authorities (using a grant under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003).”
Businesses that are eligible are those that have been mandated to close by government and include non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses. It is generally accepted that the events industry falls under the hospitality category.
Businesses occupying hereditaments – property, land, rent, or something that can be inherited – appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under on the date of the commencement of the widespread national restrictions will receive a payment of £667 per 14-day qualifying restriction period.
Businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 on the date of the commencement of the widespread national restrictions will receive a payment of £1,000 per 14-day qualifying restriction period.
Finally, businesses occupying hereditaments appearing on the local rating list with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or above on the commencement date of the widespread national restrictions, will receive £1,500 per 14-day qualifying restriction period.
Business owners must contact their Local Authority for confirmation of available support.