Discretionary Local Restrictions Support Grant

Businesses across Stratford-on-Avon district can now apply for the Discretionary Local Restrictions Support Grant.

In addition to the Scheme for Businesses that have been forced to close during the second lockdown period, the Government has announced a Discretionary Scheme for businesses severely impacted by the lockdown restrictions.

This discretionary grant is for the four week period up to 2 December and is a flat rate of £1,250 per business.

The scheme seeks to support those who were operating on 4 November 2020 in the
non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors and those who have been directly impacted through the support chains to businesses who have been forced to close.

For full qualifying eligibility and to apply online please visit: www.stratford.gov.uk/coronavirus/local-restrictions-support-grant-national-lockdown.cfm

Cllr Jo Barker, People Portfolio says: "The District Council continues to support and pay out grant funding to local businesses and we hope this funding will support some of those who were not eligible for the other business support grant.

"We know this is a really difficult time for many businesses across our district, but we're committed to making sure there's help and support to all our businesses."

To date (25 November): The District Council has paid £353,772.00 to 223 businesses as part of the Local Restrictions Support Grant.

Eligibility criteria
The following businesses will be eligible to claim an Additional Restriction Grant:

• Businesses that qualify as either a Micro or a Small Business (as defined in the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 and the Companies Act 2006).
  
  
• Businesses where one or more of the following apply:
  • Non-rated businesses that have been mandated to close, but are ineligible to apply for a grant under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) scheme.
  • Businesses that are NOT mandated to close, but are adversely impacted by national restrictions and/or other factors associated with COVID-19
    
    
• Businesses that have applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough scheme).
• Businesses that are eligible for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
• Market traders who stand on Stratford-on-Avon Charter Markets and live within the Stratford-on-Avon District.
• A shared space or property where the person is not the ratepayer.
• Bed and Breakfast properties who pay Council Tac not Non-Domestic Rates.
• Any business previously awarded a discretionary grant during the previous widespread national restrictions in March 2020.