Extra Covid-19 relief for a range of South Yorkshire businesses across the county

Depending on the size of the business, firms can apply to councils in Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley for grants between £1,000 and £19,500.

The Government has provided the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for those businesses with a rateable value who have been forced to close, but this has left many businesses missing out on financial support.

Those who have been forced to close through lockdown restrictions, and who do not pay business rates, are eligible for thousands of pounds through the ARG if they pay rent or other fixed property costs.

Some of these grants have now been increased as the national lockdown remains in place, and those previously in receipt of a grant will automatically receive a top-up payment. Eligible businesses may include but are not limited to:

Outlets in a food hall Shared occupancy in a premise where the landlord is the rate payer The self-employed who rent space to work Someone renting a chair in a salon Those running a pop-up stall in a shopping centre or leisure centre

The wedding, events, food and drink, beauty, health and accommodation industries, will also see their grant payments increase, with new applicants welcomed and some of those previously in receipt of funds automatically receiving a top-up payment through the Supply Chain Support Scheme. This includes a wide range of businesses, such as:

Travel agents Wedding caterers Event security Companies servicing gym equipment Home-based businesses

Sheffield City Region mayor, Dan Jarvis, said: “This is such a critical time for our business community in South Yorkshire that we are increasing the money available to those businesses impacted by restrictions.

“The impact of the pandemic has meant that many businesses are on the brink of collapse. We will continue to fight to protect the livelihoods of people in South Yorkshire and are working round the clock with our local councils to make sure every pound of support gets to those who need it.

“We’ve designed our support to help as many businesses as possible who have fallen through the cracks of Government schemes. It’s vital that if your business is suffering due to Covid-19 restrictions that you get in touch with your local council to check your eligibility for support.”

For more information, visit any of the South Yorkshire councils website to apply:

www.sheffield.gov.uk/coronavirus-businesswww.enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk/covid-19-coronavirus/www.rotherham.gov.uk/covid-business-grantswww.doncaster.gov.uk/services/business-investment/covid-19-local-restrictions-business-support-grants

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.