New £2.3 million pot for Covid-hit businesses in Stafford
More than £2 million will be paid to businesses in Stafford which have been severely affected by Covid-19 restrictions.
Stafford Borough Council is reassuring businesses that they will not need to get in contact with the local authority as the money will be automatically paid into bank accounts from next week.
It follows Prime Minister, Boris Johnson’s, announcement this week to extend payments to those firms that have had to remain closed. The new grants will cover the period from the February 16 until the end of March.
During the pandemic the council has distributed more than £35 million to local businesses which have had to close, or have been significantly restricted, by measures introduced to control the spread of the virus.
A pot of around £2.3 million has been provided for the latest funding round - with individual amounts of up to £4,700 to be given out depending on the rateable value of the business.
Eligible businesses that have previously received a ‘Local Restrictions Support Grant’ will automatically get the new payment no later than March 5. And closed businesses who were entitled to the council’s ‘Additional Restrictions Grant’ scheme will also receive an automatic payment.
Councillor Mike Smith, cabinet member for resources, said: “We are pleased to announce another round of funding to support our local businesses who had to close because of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.
“There is no need to apply for this grant as the money will be paid automatically over the next few days to those businesses who are still shut and have previously received this grant.”
The eligible businesses include pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and leisure centres, as well as non-essential retail outlets which remain shut.
Councillor Smith added: “As well as financial help for hundreds of local businesses we are also delivering a package of other support to make sure when restrictions are lifted they can not only hit the ground running – but can grow and take advantages of opportunities available to them.”
More help and advice can be found from the dedicated business pages of the borough council’s website at staffordbc.gov.uk/business-support-coronavirus
