Business secretary urges councils to distribute Omicron grants
The grants, which were first announced just before Christmas (Tuesday 21 December), were given to local authorities earlier this month (January).
At the time councils received the money, The Morning Advertiser learnt it was expected there would be a slight delay between councils receiving the funding and it being distributed but local authorities and BEIS were working closely in a bid to ensure it gets out urgently.
Grant details
Grants are per premises and based on rateable value of each venue. This has been worked out in three bands, which are:
- For pubs with a rateable value of £0 to £15,000, they are eligible for a grant of £2,667.
- Pubs with a rateable value of £15,000 to £51,000, they can claim a £4,000 grant.
- Those with a rateable value of more than £51,000, the full grant amount of £6,000 is available.
Kwarteng stated local authorities have the discretion to allocate the funding, including the Additional Restrictions Grant, to businesses most in need.
He said he had personally written to those councils that have more than 5% of previous funds left over, instructing them to distribute the money to those in need.
Calling on councils
The letter added: “My message to you today is simple; businesses need you and your staff to help them through this period. The funding we have allocated needs to get to businesses to protect jobs, livelihoods and communities.
“The sooner applications are processed and funds are distributed, the sooner we will be able to provide businesses with the confidence and security they urgently need.
“I am calling on councils across England to continue to do their bit in the national effort to beat the virus while safeguarding jobs and businesses. Hard-working people across the country are counting on you.”
There were delays in pubs receiving previous funding including the Restart Grants last year, where a number of operators raised concerns the delays would seriously hamper their businesses.
