We are inviting businesses severely impacted by COVID-19 to apply for its discretionary funding from noon today. 

The Additional Restrictions Grant, which is in addition to the Local Restrictions Support Grant announced last week, will focus on supporting two priority categories with the central government funding; those businesses legally required to close but who do not have a business rates assessment and businesses who haven’t legally been forced to close, but have been severely impacted by restrictions in place to control the spread of COVID-19.

The grant is a one-off payment of £2,000 which will be paid to cover the 28 day period from 5^th November to 2^nd December 2020.

Businesses deemed to be severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions include those where a considerable amount of revenue is associated with organisations who have been required to legally close, for example, the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors. As part of their application, businesses that fall within these criteria will need to be able to demonstrate that at least 75% of their revenue comes from these sectors.

To be eligible for the Additional Restrictions Grant your business must operate in East Cambridgeshire and have been open before the restrictions came into force on 5^th November. Businesses must also have relatively high ongoing fixed property costs, which can include rent or a mortgage for the business’ property and have experienced a significant loss of income directly related to the national lockdown restrictions.

Businesses will be required to provide evidence of their fixed property costs and loss of income.

Councillor David Brown, Chairman of the Finance and Assets Committee, said:

“The Local Restrictions Support Grant will go some way to support those businesses who have been legally forced to close during the second lockdown, however the Additional Restrictions Grant aims to take one step further and support a number of businesses who have taken a considerable hit due to their revenue being connected to those sectors who have temporarily shut their doors.

“Unlike the Local Restrictions Grant, where the Council has identified eligible businesses, we are looking for organisations to come forward for the Additional Restrictions Grant and apply.

“If you think your business may be entitled to funding, please do get in touch so we can help as many eligible businesses as possible.”

Businesses not eligible for the Additional Restrictions Grant include:

• organisations who are able to continue to trade, because they do not depend on providing direct in-person services from the premises and can operate their services effectively remotely
• businesses that have chosen to close, but have not been required to close as directed by central government
• businesses that were in administration, are insolvent or where a striking-off notice has been made, are also not eligible for the grant.
• businesses which have already receive grant payments that equal the maximum levels of EU State Aid permitted under the De minimis and the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Frameworks

Applications can be made online from noon on Wednesday 18^th November by visiting our dedicated Additional Restrictions Grant scheme webpage. To request an application form email covid19businessgrants@eastcambs.gov.uk or call 01353 665555. The deadline for applications is 2nd December 2020 at 5pm.

After the closing date, if funds remain, the Council will review the scheme and open a further application round.

Businesses who have been legally forced to close and have a business rates account may be eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant.