Business support grant criteria expanded in South Lakes
Written by John Williamson on 02/03/2021
South Lakeland District Council has expanded one of the coronavirus business grant support schemes it administers so more businesses can apply.
The change means independent, non-essential retailers and their local wholesalers and suppliers may now be able to access this support.
SLDC has reviewed the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open businesses to widen the eligibility criteria, having granted to over 1,300 businesses already through this scheme.
This scheme was originally aimed at leisure and hospitality businesses severely impacted by the Tier 2 Restrictions in December (such as the Rule of 6 and restricted mixing of households) but not legally required to close.
It has now been opened up to include independent non-essential retailers, wholesalers and suppliers (where over 50% of their trade is to the leisure, hospitality, visitor economy and non-essential retail sectors) and other businesses that have suffered as a result of Tier-related restrictions.
Independent retailers and wholesale and supply businesses have until 31 March to apply, as do those leisure and hospitality businesses that have yet to apply.
More details of this and other support grants available and application forms can be found at www.southlakeland.gov.uk.
Councillor Robin Ashcroft, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “Businesses that believe they now qualify for this grant through this expanded criteria should go online to check their eligibility and to apply as soon as possible.
“Supporting businesses in South Lakeland through these tough times is one of our main priorities and SLDC is committed to doing everything we can to make sure they get through this and recover.”
Meanwhile, we have now received confirmation from Government that the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Closed Businesses will continue until 31 March 2021. Further business grant information is expected as part of the government’s Spring Budget statement tomorrow.
We will use the November LRSG(C) or January LRSG(C) details to make the LRSG(C) payments for 16 February to 31 March. There will be no separate application for this. Businesses will receive an email about this in the coming days.
