Grants and Support for Businesses

Local Restrictions Scheme Grants (LRSG) Closed (Addendum) Grant

LRSG Closed Businesses 2 – 15 December

LRSG Closed Businesses 16 – 25 December

LRSG Open Business Grant 2 – 15 December

LRSG Open Business Grant 16 – 25 December

LRSG Open Business Grant (for Open, but affected B&B’s) 2 – 26 December

LRSG (Tier 4) Closed (Addendum) Grant

Wet-Led Pub Grant (Christmas Support Package)

LRSG Closed Businesses & Closed Business Lockdown Payment (CBLP)

Please note:

• All grants have their own eligibility criteria and exclusions and you should check this before applying. The eligibility criteria can be found in the WDC policy documents.
• Grants can only be pro-rata’s due to changes in the tiers by government
• All grants are subject to change and can close at any time
• Any partially completed applications or late applications will not be considered once a scheme is closed.

Direct Hospitality, such as pubs

Direct Hospitality, such as restaurants & Café’s

Shops

In-person services, such as; Hair, Beauty, Nails, Tattoo etc.

Accommodation, such as hotels and holiday lets (listed for business rates)

Sports and Leisure facilities, such as gyms, golf courses, indoor soft play

 Kennels, Catteries and Pet Grooming

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers and Companies

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses during the current Covid pandemic restrictions.

Since the 26^th December 2020 when we entered Tier 4 we have been working to help as many business as possible. The main ARG scheme has closed, however a new scheme will be available shortly to offer further assistance for the period 16^th February to 31^st March 2021.

In the meantime there are two separate schemes for;

• Kennels, Catteries and Groomers Grants
• Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Grants

Kennels, Catteries and Groomers Grants

This grant is available to business registered as Kennels, Catteries and Groomers that have a business rated premises in the Wealden District.

This grant is 96 day payment covering the period 26^th December 2020 to 31^st March 2021

• View the WDC Kennels, Catteries and Groomers policy here

Summary of eligibility criteria

Businesses should carefully check before applying they meet the eligibility criteria. All applications will be assessed in accordance with the evaluation criteria below:

• Businesses are only eligible if they were open and available for business on 26^th December 2020 onwards
• Businesses must be liable for local non-domestic rating and have an assessment in the Council’s local rating list as at 26^th December 2020
• They business premise must be wholly or mainly used for one or more of the following;
  • The licensed boarding for dogs in kennels; or (must be licensed with WDC)
  • The licensed boarding for cats in catteries; or (must be licensed with WDC)
  • The provision of pet grooming

• Must be able to demonstrate that it has been severely impacted by the restrictions
• Not received any other Local Business Restriction Grant (Open or Closed) schemes.

Please be advised only eligible business will be able to access the grant scheme

You can apply for the grant here . Please ensure you select the ‘Kennels, Catteries & Groomers ARG’

This scheme will close to applications on 31^st March 2021. Incomplete or applications submitted after this date will not be considered.  All payments will be made by 30^th April 2021.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire (licensed drivers)

This grant is available to individuals who hold a valid and current Hackney Carriage / Private Hire licence issued by Wealden District Council.

This is a one off lump sum payment of £1,000.00

• View the WDC Hackney Carriage and Private Hire policy here

Summary of eligibility criteria

Businesses should carefully check before applying they meet the eligibility criteria. All applications will be assessed in accordance with the evaluation criteria below:

• The driver was licensed and operating on and after the 26^th December 2020 onwards
• They are actively working as a hackney Carriage or Private Hire driver and must provide evidence of this via proof of payment from their affiliated taxi or hire company
• They must be able to demonstrate that they have been severely impacted by the restrictions

• Not received any other Local Business Restriction Grant (Open or Closed) schemes.

Please be advised only WDC licenced drivers are to access the grant scheme

You can apply for the grant here. Please ensure you select the ‘Hackney Carriage & Private Hire ARG’

This scheme will close to applications on 31^st March 2021. Incomplete or applications submitted after this date will not be considered.  All payments will be made by 30^th April 2021.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire (companies)

This grant is available to Taxi / Limo businesses where the owner is not a licensed driver (you cannot receive both the licensed driver grant and this one)

This is a one of lump sum payment of £2,000.00

• View the WDC Hackney Carriage and Private Hire policy here

Summary of eligibility criteria

Businesses should carefully check before applying they meet the eligibility criteria. All applications will be assessed in accordance with the evaluation criteria below:

• Businesses are only eligible if they were open and available for business on 26^th December 2020 onwards
• Businesses must be liable for local non-domestic rating and have an assessment in the Council’s local rating list as at 26^th December 2020
• They must be able to demonstrate that they have been severely impacted by the restrictions

• Not received any other Local Business Restriction Grant (Open or Closed) schemes.

You can apply for the grant here.  Please ensure you select the ‘Taxi / Limo companies ARG’

This scheme will close to applications on 31^st March 2021. Incomplete or applications submitted after this date will not be considered.  All payments will be made by 30^th April 2021.

This is a grant for businesses that are mandated to close from 5^th January 2021.

The Government has confirmed additional COVID19 emergency funding for a Local Restriction Support Grants programme. The funding is aimed at supporting any business which has been subjected to lockdown closures and who has a rateable property.

View the government guidelines – Government Guidance

View the WDC CBLP and Closed policy:

Wealden Closed Business Lockdown Payment

Wealden Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed Addendum) Jan 5th onwards Scheme

View the guidelines for those business subject to closure – Government guidance closed businesses

This is a grant for business that are mandated to close from 5^th January 2021.

The Government has confirmed additional COVID19 emergency funding for a Local Restriction Support Grants programme. The funding is aimed at supporting any business which has been subjected to lockdown closures and who has a rateable property.

Summary of eligibility criteria

Businesses should carefully check before applying they meet the eligibility criteria. All applications will be assessed in accordance with the evaluation criteria below:

• Businesses are only eligible if subject to national lockdown restrictions (closed) imposed by the Government from the 5^th January 2021.
• An applicant can apply despite receiving other grants although this may be considered in any award decision.
• An applicant must be a liable for business rates as listed with the Valuation Office Agency and listed for occupied rates in the Wealden District.
• An applicant must be a business open and trading successfully on and before 24^th December 2020
• Businesses in administration or which are insolvent are not eligible to apply, neither are businesses where a “striking off” notice has been made.
• Businesses must provide relevant documentary evidence to support their application, as set out in the online form.
• Any grant award is subject to due diligence checks, including State Aid compliance.

Grant Payment Levels and Criteria

As per the National Restrictions Support Guidance for Closed businesses, Wealden District Council will make payment to eligible business based on their Rateable Value as at 24 December 2020.

• Only businesses that are required to close due to National Lockdown restrictions will be able to apply for this grant scheme.
• If the business is continuing to run a click and collect service you are still able to apply for the grant.
• There is no upper limit to the rateable value on this grant

Please put as much information as you can in your online application.

For any enquiries please email localtax@wealden.gov.uk, quoting either your property reference or account reference.

Apply for a Closed Lockdown Package grant

This is a grant for businesses that were mandated to close between 26^th December 2020 and 4^th January 2021.

The Government has confirmed additional COVID19 emergency funding for a Local Restriction Support Grants programme. The funding is aimed at supporting any business which has been subjected to Tier 4 closures and who has a rateable property.

View the government guidelines – Government Guidance

View the WDC Tier 4 policy – Wealden Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed Addendum) TIER 4

View the guidelines for those businesses subject to closure – Government guidance closed business for Tier 4

Summary of eligibility criteria

Businesses should carefully check before applying they meet the eligibility criteria. All applications will be assessed in accordance with the evaluation criteria below:

• Businesses are only eligible if subject to national lockdown restrictions (closed) imposed by the Government from the 26^th December 2020.
• An applicant can apply despite receiving other grants although this may be considered in any award decision.
• An applicant must be a liable for business rates as listed with the Valuation Office Agency and listed for occupied rates in the Wealden District.
• An applicant must be a business open and trading successfully on and before 24^th December 2020
• Businesses in administration or which are insolvent are not eligible to apply, neither are businesses where a “striking off” notice has been made.
• Businesses must provide relevant documentary evidence to support their application, as set out in the online form.
• Any grant award is subject to due diligence checks, including State Aid compliance.

Grant Payment Levels and Criteria

As per the National Restrictions Support Guidance for Closed businesses, Wealden District Council will make payment to eligible business based on their Rateable Value as at 4 November 2020.

• Only businesses that are required to close due to tier 4 restrictions will be able to apply for this grant scheme.
• If the business is continuing to run a click and collect service you are still able to apply for the grant.
• There is no upper limit to the rateable value on this grant

Please put as much information as you can in your online application.

For any enquiries please email localtax@wealden.gov.uk, quoting either your property reference or account reference.

Apply for a Local Restrictions Grant – Tier 4

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.

The Government has confirmed additional COVID19 emergency funding to Wealden District Council for a Local Restriction Support Grants programme. The funding is aimed at supporting any business which has been subjected to lockdown closures and who has a rateable property.

• View the government guidelines
• View the WDC Local Restrictions Grant Policy document
• View the guidelines of those businesses subject to closure as clarified in the legislation, The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 (see attachment UKSI), specifically schedules 1,2 & 3.

Summary of eligibility criteria

Businesses should carefully check before applying they meet the eligibility criteria. All applications will be assessed in accordance with the evaluation criteria below:

• Businesses are only eligible if subject to national lockdown restrictions (closed) imposed by the Government from the 5 November 2020.
• An applicant can apply despite receiving other grants although this may be considered in any award decision.
• An applicant must be a liable for business rates as listed with the Valuation Office Agency and listed for occupied rates in the Wealden District.
• An applicant must be a business trading successfully on and before 5 November 2020
• Businesses in administration or which are insolvent are not eligible to apply, neither are businesses where a “striking off” notice has been made.
• Businesses must provide relevant documentary evidence to support their application, as set out in the online form.
• Any grant award is subject to due diligence checks, including State Aid compliance.

Timings and process for awarding grants

• Wealden District Council Business Rates team will check applications for eligibility and carry out due diligence checks.
• The Council will email them the outcome.
• Subject to the above, Wealden’s Finance team will then process grant payments to successful applicants
• The Council will process payments to successful applicants as quickly as possible.

For any enquiries please email the localtax@wealden.gov.uk, quoting either your property reference or account reference.

Grant Payment Levels and Criteria

As per the National Restrictions Support Guidance for Closed businesses, Wealden District Council will make payment to eligible business based on their Rateable Value as at 4 November 2020.

Please note:

• Only businesses that are required to close due to the national lockdown will be able to apply for this grant scheme.
• If the business is continuing to run a click and collect service you are still able to apply for the grant.
• There is no upper limit to the rateable value on this grant

Please put as much information as you can in your online application.

Please note that this payment is for the initial lockdown of 4 weeks. If the national lockdown is extended and the scheme is extended you will be able to apply for further payments.

Apply for a Local Restrictions Grant

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.

Open businesses affected by restrictions in place between the periods of 2 December – 15 December and 16 December – 25 December may apply.

Local councils have the discretion to provide grant funding for businesses under this scheme. They will use their discretion in identifying the right businesses to receive this funding, based on their application process.

This is a discretionary scheme for those businesses who occupy a rated business premises that is used for hospitality and / or leisure purposes, (this includes pubs, hotels, restaurants and gyms for example) who whilst open have experienced a significant impact on their business due to the current social distancing guidelines.  

B&B’s who are registered for Council Tax, registered with Wealden District Council and have a food license are also eligible to apply.

For the purposes of this scheme hospitality and leisure is deemed as;

• Premises used for hospitality; such as
  • hotels and restaurants
  • Pubs and cafe’s
• Premises used for leisure;
  • Cinemas and theatres
  • Sporting venues; such as golf courses and tennis courts
• Premises used for Assembly, such as
  • village halls

This scheme does not include businesses in the retail or supply of hospitality, events or leisure goods or services.

• View the government guidelines 
• View the Wealden policy

Grant Payment Levels and Criteria 

Businesses must have a property with a rateable value and be listed with the Valuation Office Agency as as at 2nd December 2020. Those not listed with the Valuation Office or who do not have their own rated property are not eligible for this scheme. 

Please note you will need to make a separate application for each period. 

Timings and process for awarding grants 

• Wealden District Council Business Rates team will check applications for eligibility and carry out due diligence checks.
• The Council will email applicants with the outcome.
• Subject to the above, Wealden’s Finance team will then process grant payments to successful applicants
• The Council will process payments to successful applicants as quickly as possible.

For any enquiries please email the localtax@wealden.gov.uk, quoting either your property reference or account reference.

Please note whilst the scheme will be open for applications, no determinations will be made from 23 December to 4 January 2021.

Apply for a Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open)

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.

The Government has made financial support available for businesses affected by the move to Tier 2 on 2^nd December to 15^th December and 16^th December to 25^th December.

The Tier 2 Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) (Closed) is available to businesses which are required to be closed for a consecutive period of no less than 14 days as a result of regulations made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 will be eligible for this funding.

In Tier 2 this typically refers a business running a public house, bar or other business involving the sale of alcohol for consumption and must close as they do not serve food.

The government definition states eligible businesses will be;

In Tier 2, a business running a public house, bar or other business involving the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises must cease to carry on that business, unless alcohol is only served for consumption on the premises as part of a table meal, and the meal is such as might be expected to be served as the main midday or main evening meal, or as a main course at either such meal. A “table meal” is a meal eaten by a person seated at a table, or at a counter or other structure which serves the purposes of a table and is not used for the service of refreshments for consumption by persons not seated at a table or structure serving the purposes of a table.

Further information on the scheme is available;

• Local Authority Guidance 
• Government guidelines for closed businesses in Tier Two  
• View the WDC Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Scheme (from 2^nd December 2020 onwards)  Wealden Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed) from 2nd December 2020 onwards 15122020 (pdf)

Timings and process for awarding grants

• Wealden District Council Business Rates team will check applications for eligibility and carry out due diligence checks.
• The Council will email applicants with the outcome.
• Subject to the above, Wealden’s Finance team will then process grant payments to successful applicants
• The Council will process payments to successful applicants as quickly as possible.

For any enquiries please email the localtax@wealden.gov.uk, quoting either your property reference or account reference.

Grant Payment Levels and Criteria

As per the National Restrictions Support Guidance for Closed Businesses, Wealden District Council will make payment to eligible business based on their Rateable Value as at 4 November 2020.

You can apply for a Local Restrictions Closed Grant (2^nd December onwards) here. 

Please note whilst the scheme will be open for applications, no determinations will be made from 23^rd December to 4^th January 2021.

The scheme is being extended from 1 November 2020. 

Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.

Those eligible to apply will be contacted directly by HMRC. Individuals do not need to contact HMRC now and doing so will only delay the urgent work being undertaken to introduce the scheme.

If you are ill or have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work you may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Small business owners can now apply to accredited lenders by filling out a simple online form. Businesses will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, with the cash arriving within days. An affordable flat rate of 2.5% interest will be charged on these loans.

The government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee and cover the cost of any fees and interest for the borrower for the first 12 months. To enable firms to get back on their feet, no repayments will be due during this period.

Applications for Bounce Back Loans are available until 31 January 2021:

• Apply for a coronavirus Bounce Back Loan

Check if you can claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

After a claim has been submitted online it will take six working days for it to be paid – please do not chase up payment with HMRC during this time.

Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers with a PAYE scheme will be able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis. This applies to employees who have been asked to stop working, but who are being kept on the pay roll, otherwise described as ‘furloughed workers’.

5,000 HMRC staff will operate the scheme to reimburse 80% of their wages, up to £2,500 per month. This is to safeguard workers from being made redundant. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will cover the cost of wages backdated to March 1st.

Employees should speak to their employers with any questions, not HMRC. They won’t be able to answer queries from individual employees.

Apply for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

The Job Support Scheme will support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions. Government will pay two thirds of employees’ salaries to protect jobs over the coming months.

Claim: The Job Support Scheme

Grants of up to £50,000 are available for projects which respond to urgent needs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) means that the Bank of England will buy short-term debt from larger companies. This will support companies which are fundamentally strong, but have been affected by a short-term funding squeeze. It will also support corporate finance markets overall and ease the supply of credit to all firms.

The scheme will be funded by central bank reserves – in line with other Bank of England market operations. It will operate for at least 12 months, and for as long as steps are needed to relieve cash flow pressures on firms that make a material contribution to the UK economy.

Apply for the Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility

If you are an employer looking to create 29 or fewer job placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme .The Scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.

Sport England has announced a grants package for the sports sector

The Arts Council has made grant funding available for arts organisations and individual artists

Open4Business can also help local companies source grant funding.

If you run a licensed zoo or aquarium in England and are experiencing severe financial difficulties because of lost revenue, you can apply for a grant of up to £100,000.

How much you get will be based on your animals’ needs. Find out more and apply for Zoos Support Funding until 29 January 2021.