Borough businesses urged to benefit from Covid grant funding

More than £4m has been paid out this autumn to businesses in Cheshire West and Chester in grant aid to help them through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is co-ordinating the business grants scheme and has already received applications from more than 3,000 borough businesses.

However, with funding still available, the council is urging eligible businesses not to miss out.

The Council will also shortly be administering a £1,000 winter payment to pubs that do not serve food.  Eligible pubs can apply for this online and should visit the Council website for further details.

Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for legal and finance, said: “The Council is doing what it can to support local businesses with the funds available. These grants are there to help businesses survive and support their staff if these restrictions have forced them to close. We hope this funding will mean they are able to afford to be able to reopen and prosper when restrictions are lifted.

“Many businesses have already benefitted after making a successful application. However, we know that many hundreds of businesses in our borough have still not made an application even though they are eligible to receive the funding. We urge all businesses owners to consider whether they are eligible and make an application so that they can support themselves and their workforce.”

To apply for one of these grants or to find out more information, visit the Council website and search ‘financial support for businesses’ or visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news-and-views/incidents/coronavirus-covid-19/business-information/financial-support-for-businesses.aspx

The Local Restriction Grant:

Who can apply:

Pubs which do not serve food and must close under Tier 2 restrictions.
Hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses which have not previously applied.
Night clubs forced to permanently close since 23 March, which have not previously applied.  

How it works:

The amount of this grant is determined by government guidance and is dependent on the rateable value of the business premises. The Council will continue to pay businesses on a rolling basis at the end of every 14 days while the borough is in either Tier 2 or 3, except during the Christmas period.

The Additional Restriction Grant:

Who can apply:

Businesses which have been significantly financially impacted by COVID-19 Tier restrictions.

How it works:

The grant is a one-off payment and will be dependent on how severe the impact from COVID-19 has been. The council will be reviewing this policy in January 2021 in line with the government’s review of the tier system.

Businesses applying for this grant will need to provide additional evidence. Businesses which have chosen to close but have not been required to, and those which do not depend on providing direct in-person services from premises, will not be eligible for this grant.

Businesses will need to supply the following additional evidence to support their application for an Additional Restriction Grant:

A business identifier such as VAT registration number, company registration number or charity number
A business rates account number (if applicable)
A description of what goods/services the business provides including its contribution to the local community and geographical reach
An explanation of the impact that the tier restrictions are having on the business
Details of fixed costs and other monthly outgoings
Details and evidence of the impact that restrictions have had on income levels
The number of people employed in the local area and any current furlough arrangements
Three months bank statements pre Covid-19 and last three months
Details of any other support received relating to Covid-19 e.g. previous business grants, bounce back loans, self-employed support.

Pictured - Councillor Carol Gahan.