Local businesses affected by Covid-19 Omicron variant can now apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) and the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, which will be distributed by Colchester Borough Council as part of the Government’s response to coronavirus.
On 21 December, the Government announced details for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant available for those who supply the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors, due to the impact of the Omicron variant.
Colchester’s Covid Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant will distribute one-off grants of up to £6000 per premises to businesses which meet the eligibility criteria. Further information along with an application form will be available on the Council’s website. The Government will also cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid related absences and further funding is available through the Culture Recovery Fund.
A new top up of the Additional Restrictions Grant has also been announced by Government, for those businesses affected by the Omicron variant, but not able to apply for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant. The council will distribute a one-off payment to eligible businesses from this grant.
Cllr Darius Laws, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business and Heritage, said: It’s good news that the Government have taken this action to support the businesses which have been affected by the impact of the Covid Omicron variant.
“We have contacted businesses who have applied for business support before, to ensure they have the details to apply, but I would strongly encourage any businesses who meets the conditions to apply and submit their applications as soon as possible.
“We will swiftly distribute this relief fund, as we have done with all the other business grant and relief funding we’ve had so far. We know how important this support is to businesses across the borough.”
Businesses will need to apply for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant and Additional Restrictions Grant by 21 February 2022 by completing an application form colchester.gov.uk/winter-support/businesses
Page last reviewed: 18 January 2022