Applications set to open for hospitality and leisure grant support

Derby City Council has said it will soon start accepting applications for a fund set up to help hospitality and leisure businesses through the latest Covid restrictions.

Last month, the Government announced the introduction of the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, recognising the fact that some businesses may struggle as a result of the rise of the Omicron variant.

Almost £700 million will be made available to ratepaying hospitality, leisure, and accommodation businesses that provide an in-person service, including pubs, cinemas, theatres, and hotels.

For hospitality, eligible businesses must provide food or drink to be consumed on premises, including outdoors.

Eligible businesses will be able to apply for grants of up to £6,000 based on their rateable value on 30 December 2021.

In Derby, the grants will be paid by the city council, following an application period that aims to open from the start of next week.

Applications will then close on Monday 28 February, with grants being paid as soon as possible but no later than 31 March.

The city council said that details of how to apply will be announced soon.

Firms unable to apply for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grants may be able to apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant, which is designed to help businesses who are experiencing a severe impact due to the Omicron variant.

The criteria for this scheme are being developed and the city council is awaiting details from the Government regarding to the value of its allocation.

In a statement, the city council said: “As the Omicron variant continues to spread in Derby, we’re keen to do what we can to help our businesses cope with the challenges it presents and stay open safely.

“We are working hard to get systems in place to process applications and begin delivering grants and aim to do this as soon as possible.”