Council announces Covid grants for hospitality and leisure businesses

Tamworth Borough Council and Lichfield District Council have opened their Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) schemes and are encouraging eligible local businesses to apply as quickly as possible for the support.

Last month, the Government announced the OHLG scheme to help businesses in these sectors across the country that had been impacted by the new variant.

Businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000, depending on their Rateable Value. Non-rate payers will only be eligible for the lowest grant of £2,667.

Tamworth Borough Council 's scheme closes on 18 March 2022, though businesses should endeavour to get their completed applications and all supporting evidence submitted prior to this date.

Applications can be submitted via Tamworth Borough Council 's website.

Businesses applying for Lichfield District Council 's OHLG can apply via the Council 's website.

Tamworth Borough Council is also currently reviewing their Additional Restrictions Grant policy, following the Government 's announcement of more than £100 million of additional discretionary funding for local authorities to support other businesses that had been impacted by Covid-19 but were not eligible for the OHLG. Details will be provided as soon as possible - visit their website for more information.

Erin Henwood (pictured), policy advisor at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Many hospitality and leisure businesses across the Greater Birmingham area have reported experiencing an incredibly difficult Christmas trading period following the introduction of Plan B measures last month. As such, the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant schemes are in place to help those that have been hardest hit by the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic and the associated blows to consumer confidence.

“I strongly urge eligible businesses in Lichfield and Tamworth to apply immediately to the schemes currently being offered by the local councils to ensure that they receive a much-needed cash boost as soon as possible.

“We are continuing to update our Covid Support Grid to provide firms across Greater Birmingham with detailed information about what support mechanisms are currently on offer to help local businesses get through this difficult time. ”