Covid restrictions grant scheme reopens

Tamworth Borough Council has relaunched their Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, which is now open for applications

The purpose of the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme is to provide assistance to businesses to help with fixed business costs during periods in which trading may be difficult or restricted due to the Covid-19.

This scheme will cover the period from November of last year to this March.

Under the new criteria, businesses that have suffered a significant fall in demand can apply for grant support, provided they can evidence ongoing business related costs, staff employed and their turnover loss.

The new criteria will also have a separate payment for taxi drivers who are resident in Tamworth and licensed by Tamworth Borough Council and have been severely impacted. These businesses can apply for a grant of £1,000.

Tamworth Borough Council has currently paid more than £820,000 of grants to eligible businesses.

Councillor Jeremy Oates, leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “This pandemic continues to take a huge toll on our local economy and businesses and they need every bit of help they can get.

“We know businesses have been desperately waiting for these funds and we 'll be looking to get money out of the door and into bank accounts where it 's needed as soon as possible. There 's a lot of work that has to go into setting these processes up, to make sure they are robust and able to get funding to those who need it.

“I would encourage any businesses which may be entitled to a grant to check the criteria and apply immediately if they are eligible; while making sure they supply all the specified documentation to avoid any unnecessary delays in payments being awarded.

“The Additional Restrictions Grant scheme aims to provide assistance to businesses with fixed costs during periods in which trading may be difficult due to the Covid-19 restrictions. The scheme is not designed to be a substitute for wages. Support for these costs can be gained through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). ”

Due to several checks which need to be carried out in line with government requirements, ARG applications can take up to 14 working days for the assessment to be completed.

Full details of the grant schemes can be found here: www.tamworth.gov.uk/additional-restrictions-grant