New £30m funding for South Yorkshire firms that fell through the cracks of Covid support

South Yorkshire firms that fell through the cracks of coronavirus support are being urged to apply to a new pot after £30m arrived from government.
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The ‘Additional Restrictions Grant’ is for companies that pay rent but not rates, such as outlets in a food hall, companies in a business centre, or the self employed who rent space to work.

It is a one-off payment of between £500 and £3,000 depending on rent.

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Meanwhile, leisure, hospitality and accommodation businesses that remained open throughout Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions, but lost trade, can apply for cash based on their rateable value or rent.

Sheffield City Region Mayor, Dan Jarvis MP and LEP Chair James MuirSheffield City Region Mayor, Dan Jarvis MP and LEP Chair James Muir
Sheffield City Region Mayor, Dan Jarvis MP and LEP Chair James Muir

They include cinemas, theatres, B&Bs, sports clubs, tourist attractions and heritage centres.

The new ARG grants will be given at the discretion of each local authority using an ‘agreed common criteria’.

The £30m is part of £41m negotiated by city region leaders for South Yorkshire as went into Tier 3 ‘very high’ level restrictions. They were replaced by a national lockdown on November 5, but the money still came through.

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A pre-existing, separate, grant scheme is still available for businesses forced to close during Tier 3 and now Lockdown 2, which runs until December 2.

It pays out between £1,300 and £3,000-a-month depending on rateable value.

Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “We have been working hard to develop a scheme which makes every pound count, so it supports as many workers and employers across the region as possible. I’m pleased that this funding is now available, and I would strongly encourage any businesses or self-employed traders to check if they are eligible and apply.

“This package will help our businesses through difficult times as we look to recover from the pandemic as quickly as possible.”

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Local Enterprise Partnership Chair, James Muir, said: “This crisis has highlighted the integral role businesses play in our communities and the livelihoods of the people living here. I’m pleased we’re able to support them with additional grant funding and urge South Yorkshire businesses struggling in these times to contact their local authority, and if they are eligible, to apply for support.”

Businesses are urged to contact their local authority for more information and to apply.

Sheffield City Council’s coronavirus business support page is here.

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