BUSINESS in Somerset affected by the coronavirus crisis are set to receive further help.

New national business grants are being made available - the Local Restrictions Support Grant and the Additional Restrictions Grant.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) are working on guidance and a grant application process for businesses who have had to close due to the latest restrictions.

“We were able to ensure that many eligible businesses particularly our small independent businesses and organisations, received the grants they were entitled to during the last lockdown period," said Cllr Marcus Kravis, executive member for economic development at SWT, said.

“These grants, which are non-repayable, can provide a vital lifeline for businesses.

"We are pleased to be able to deliver them once again and I would encourage businesses across the district to apply for the help that’s available.”

Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG)

  • This supports businesses who were open as usual providing services in person to customers from their business premises, but which were then required by law to close for 28 days due to national lockdown restrictions.
  • This includes: non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses.
  • From November 5 until December 2, a single grant to cover the 28 day period will be paid to each eligible business. The grant amounts will be fixed.
  • Businesses with more than one qualifying property will receive more than one grant.

"If your business is eligible and has a property with a rateable value of £15,000 or under, you will receive a cash grant of £1,334 per 28-day qualifying restriction period," said a spokesperson for SWT.

"If your business is eligible and has a property with a rateable value of above £15,000 and below £51,000, you will receive a cash grant of £2,000 per 28-day qualifying period.

"If your business is eligible and has a property with a rateable value of £51,000 or above, you will receive a cash grant of £3,000 per 28-day qualifying period.

"Grants will be based on the rateable value of the property on the first full day of the national lockdown restrictions.

"Once government guidance has been fully assessed, SWT will make an online application form available."

Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)

  • This is for non-business rate payers that have either been required to close by government during the lockdown period or have been severely impacted by the lockdown period but do not have to necessarily close.
  • In cases of very severe impact, business rate payers may also be able to apply.