Help still available for businesses forced to close during second lockdown

There is still time to apply for grant funding if your business was affected by the national lockdown during November.

Businesses which suffered significant financial impact during the national restrictions from November 5 to December 2 can now apply for an Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) from East Devon District Council.

Eligible businesses include those solvent and trading normally on November 4th 2020 and were either required to close from November 5th to December 2nd and do not have a business rates account; or can evidence being severely impacted by the national restrictions through a minimum 30% drop in turnover from November 5th to December 2nd (not through seasonal fluctuations, other reductions or losses) and can evidence minimum fixed business costs of £250 per month.

If your business meets the criteria, you may be eligible for the ARG, with applications closing on December 23.

Applications are encouraged from businesses that are within or supply the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, as well as businesses in the events sector and taxi operators licensed by East Devon District Council.

If you have received other financial support, this will be taken into account. If you have received support from the Local Restrictions Support Grant for closed businesses during November's national restrictions, you will not be eligible for the ARG.

The amount of grant funding depends on individual circumstances and rateable values. Grants range from £934 to £2,100. See eastdevon.gov.uk/business-grants for more information.

Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council's portfolio holder for Economy and Assets, said: "This latest national COVID-19 support fund will be very welcomed by affected East Devon businesses. Overall, it has £1million available to assist businesses which were not eligible for the LRSG but which have still suffered financially during the period of closure, without the income to offset losses.

"I encourage businesses to review the criteria and FAQs online very carefully to determine if your business is eligible.

"Please be patient while we process grant applications, as we are experiencing a huge surge in demand. If you have queries, please check the frequently asked questions, as we are unable to receive queries by telephone for this grant."