Council launches lockdown support grants for businesses forced to close

The Government has launched the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) to support businesses which were forced to shut down when fresh national lockdown restrictions were introduced on 5 November.

The grants cover the four week lockdown period and only businesses which were trading before the lockdown came into effect and were forced to close can apply.

Businesses must also have occupied premises on which business rates were paid on 5 November to be eligible for a grant, which range from £1,334 to £3,000 depending on the rateable value of the premises.

Full application criteria, together with the online LRSG application form, can be found at www.rugby.gov.uk/supportgrant

In addition to administering the LRSGs, Rugby Borough Council also plans to support the borough's businesses with Additional Restrictions Grants (ARGs).

The council has started working on the eligibility criteria for the ARGs to ensure the Government funding can be targeted effectively across the borough.

Cllr Jill Simpson-Vince, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for growth and investment, said: "Supporting the borough's businesses has been a key component of the council's response to the pandemic, and we're committed to doing all we can to help businesses during these difficult times.

"We have already contacted businesses in the borough which our records show qualify for a Local Restrictions Support Grant, but I'd encourage all businesses to take the time to check the grant criteria and, if eligible, submit an application."