Grants available for struggling Blackpool residents and businesses

Blackpool Council is urging residents and businesses to apply for funding to national schemes that assist those facing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic.

Residents –

The Household Support Fund was launched late last year and provides help to those struggling to pay household bills during the winter months. The grant is available for households with a low income and will support residents who are most in need this winter.

As funds are limited, costs relating to energy and water bills will be prioritised. Other essential costs that have an impact on household budgets will also be considered.

Applications to this fund can be made until 31^st March (subject to funding availability), details of who and how to apply are listed on the Blackpool Council website.

For more information on the Household support fund and how to apply go to: www.blackpool.gov.uk/householdsupport

Information event for Community and Voluntary groups

Community and voluntary sectors groups in Blackpool are eligible for grants to support their community. Anyone involved in a community group can find out more on eligibility and how to apply at a virtual information session being held on Thursday 27 January at 5.30pm.

Those interested in attending should email, thirdsector@blackpool.gov.uk

Businesses –

This week the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) scheme has been made available to eligible businesses to help with the recent effects of the Omicron Covid variant.

The Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme is a one-off grant specifically for the Hospitality and Leisure sector and eligible businesses will have been contacted by Blackpool Council with details on how they can apply. Any new businesses who feel they qualify can find details of eligibility on the Blackpool Council website. Deadline for applications is 14 February.

For more information on the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Scheme and how to apply go to

https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Campaigns/Coronavirus/Support-for-businesses.aspx

There is also an opportunity for financial assistance through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses that may not be eligible for the OHLG.

There are limited funds now available (£250k) to allocate as discretionary grants via this third and final round.  Any unspent funds by the end of March will be returned to government.

This grant scheme is now live and the council are encouraging applications by the 16^th February.  Further information on the scheme, eligibility and how to apply is available at COVID-19: support for businesses – Blackpool Unlimited

For further general enquiries please email:  C19business.support@blackpool.gov.uk

Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Job Creation said, “It is of great benefit to Blackpool businesses and residents to have these funds available to help them get through the financial difficulties many have faced during the pandemic. I would urge those who think they may be eligible for any of these schemes to get in contact with the council as soon as possible to make sure the funds are utilised for the purpose they are intended and support those who need it most.”