New grant provides support for more businesses in Tewkesbury Borough during lockdown

Tewkesbury Borough Council has received further government funding to support businesses that have been severely impacted by the current Covid-19 lockdown.

The Additional Restrictions Grant is available for businesses that do not qualify for the National Lockdown Grant. It is aimed at those forced to close or restrict their trading during the current lockdown and who have consequently suffered a substantial financial loss.  

Businesses that are eligible for this latest grant are listed below and the council is encouraging all who qualify to apply so they may receive funds as quickly as possible.

• Businesses that supply an in-person service in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors
• Businesses in the events sector or who supply the events sector
• Businesses required to close which do not have a business rates liability
• Businesses that are considered essential retail and have stayed open in some capacity
• Animal welfare or boarding establishments
• Taxi drivers licensed by Tewkesbury Borough Council and who live within the borough, as well as other transport operatives
• Businesses that have been forced to close due to circumstances beyond their control e.g. the sole proprietor having to shield due to being clinically extremely vulnerable
• Home-based businesses or newly started businesses that have been excluded from accessing the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme

The initial grant is a one-off payment designed to cover the six-week period from 5 January to 15 February and the amount payable depends on a variety of factors, including the type of business, whether it is run from business premises or a home address, and the amount of financial loss incurred. If, as appears likely, lockdown is extended beyond then, further payments will be made automatically.

Councillor Rob Bird, leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council said: “Businesses across the borough continue to face very real difficulties as a result of Covid-19 restrictions. Last month, the council invited those that were required to close to apply for a lockdown grant. This new Additional Restrictions Grant enables us to provide financial assistance for yet more groups of businesses to help them survive the current lockdown.

“We want to ensure that all those who qualify receive the financial help they are entitled to, so I urge business owners who are not in receipt of the national lockdown grant to check their eligibility.”