Funding announced for business most impacted by Omicron

Local authorities today received over £700m in government funding to support businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in England will be able to apply for one-off cash grants of up to £6,000 per premises depending on rateable value.

In addition, more than £100m worth of discretionary funding is being made available for local authorities to support other businesses.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: ‘All through the pandemic we have stood by the side of business to ensure they are supported at every stage.

‘The spread of the Omicron variant is presenting new challenges, particularly for the hospitality and leisure sectors, so it’s only right that we are stepping up with an urgent £1 billion support package.

‘I urge businesses to come forward, engage with their local council and tap into these cash grants, which will help to cover costs and protect jobs as we double down on our efforts to get boosted and defeat this virus.’

The grant funding forms part of a £1 billion support package which includes an additional £30 million for the Culture Recovery Fund and reintroducing the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme – reimbursing eligible businesses for the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for COVID-related absences.

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer said: ‘We know the Omicron variant has hit our hospitality and leisure businesses – which is why, as we have throughout the pandemic, we stepped in to help.

‘From today, local councils will be able to distribute this £1 billion package of support to the hundreds of thousands of pubs, restaurants and theatres in need – protecting the millions of people they employ.’

In related news, a financial package worth £65m to ease the impact of the pandemic on culture and events has been confirmed by the Scottish government.

The funding includes £31.5m for cultural businesses, organisations, venues and independent cinema, and £2m for national performing companies to compensate for Christmas losses.

Photo by Tim Mossholder