New financial support for Covid-hit Burnley businesses launched

Burnley Council is urging businesses to check the details of the latest various Government grants that have become available to see if they could benefit.

Details on the support grants, and those businesses that could benefit from them, are available at www.burnley.gov.uk/business

The grant schemes are:

Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) supporting businesses required to close on 17th October, 19th October and 5th November

Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) supporting businesses that were not legally required to close but which were severely impacted by localised restrictions between 5th August 2020 and 4th November 2020, prior to the National Restrictions being imposed.

Local Restrictions Support Grant (Sector) supporting business to that have been subject to national closures since 23 March 2020

Additional Restrictions Grant (an additional restriction grant provided by councils on a discretionary basis). This is a scheme for other businesses affected by the pandemic.

Businesses are advised to read the criteria available in respect of the grant schemes and if they feel they are eligible complete the online application which is available on the council's website.

The council is currently reviewing the Government guidance on the Additional Restrictions Grant. Further guidance is expected shortly and we will update our website once it is available.

The new grants schemes are designed to support jobs and livelihoods. As well as the grants, the Government has also previously announced:

· an extension to the furlough scheme until March – with Government covering 80% of wages

· more generous support to the self-employed – equivalent to the generosity of the furlough scheme

· an extension to the existing Government-backed loan schemes

· an extension to the mortgage payment holiday for homeowners

· reduced VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attractions until the end of March 2021

· business rates relief for hospitality, retail, leisure and nurseries until the end of March 2021

· the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund

· extended support to prevent business evictions until the end of the year

Coun. Asif Raja, the council's executive member for economy and growth, said: "The grants cover different periods of time and a number of scenarios for businesses that have been either forced to close or which remained open but have been adversely affected by the Covid restrictions imposed at a certain time.

“It’s important that local businesses check out the information on our website to see if they could benefit from this additional Government support.

“We know businesses are struggling through the pandemic. Financial help is available and we don't want any business to miss out on grant support if they are eligible to receive it.

“This grant support could help keep a business's head above water until we turn the corner with regard to tackling the pandemic and our local economy starts to pick up again."