Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 17 November 2020

HINCKLEY and Bosworth businesses which were ordered to temporarily close their doors as a part of the new national lockdown that launched just 12 days ago back on 5 November are now being urged to apply for a grant.

The grant scheme was launched by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council yesterday on 16 November.

The scheme will pay qualifying businesses grants worth up to £3,000 whilst they remain closed to limit the spread of coronavirus until the lockdown finishes.

Businesses that have been temporarily forced to close to the public from 5 November, such as non-essential retailers, leisure facilities and sports facilities, personal care, and hospitality businesses, that were trading until the lockdown was announced can now claim a fixed grant of £1,334, £2,000, or £3,000.

These sums cover the four week national lockdown period and the grant amount depends on the rateable value of the premises.

Premises with a rateable value of £15,000 and under are eligible for £1,334. Premises from £15,000 to £51,000 are eligible for £2,000.

Premises with a rateable value of £51,000 and over are eligible for £3,000 for the four week national lockdown period.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council are distributing the grant according to a strict national eligibility criteria.

The Borough Council are encouraging all eligible businesses to apply as soon as possible by visiting the local restrictions grant online, which can be found here.

Businesses who are affected without a rateable value, or businesses who have been ‘severely impacted’ rather than closed, a separate discretionary grant scheme known as the additional restrictions grant will be launched shortly.

Bosses at The Borough Council are reviewing national guidance and are urgently developing the discretionary scheme which will be published online with details on eligibility, as well as an application process.

Council Leader at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Stuart Bray, said: “This is an absolute priority, we are determined to get the grants out to our local businesses as soon as we possibly can to mitigate the impact of this four week lockdown on the local economy.

“We appreciate it’s a very worrying time and we are determined to do all we can to help our local businesses.”

To find out more about the local restrictions grant, eligibility, and how to apply, visit here.