In response to the Omicron variant, the government is offering one-off grants of up to £6000 to support hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses, as part of a wider £1 billion support package.
Many hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses have suffered cancellations and a decline in footfall due to Covid-19 and the spread of Omicron, and are urged to apply for funding through their local council.
Businesses can apply for a one-off grant per premises which is based on businesses’ rateable value:
£6,000 - for businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or above
£4,000 - for businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
£2,667 - for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or below
In addition, more than £100 million worth of discretionary funding is also being made available for local authorities to support other businesses.
Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng said; “The spread of the Omicron variant is presenting new challenges, particularly for the hospitality and leisure sectors, so it’s only right that we are stepping up with an urgent support package.
“I urge businesses to come forward, engage with their local council and tap into these cash grants, which will help to cover costs and protect jobs as we double down on our efforts to get boosted and defeat this virus.”
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer commented; “We know the Omicron variant has hit our hospitality and leisure businesses – which is why, as we have throughout the pandemic, we stepped in to help the hundreds of thousands of pubs and restaurants in need – protecting the millions of people they employ.”
Grant funding will be administered over the coming weeks, please apply to your local authority to access the support you need.