Support available for businesses as North East Lincolnshire prepares to enter Tier 2 restrictions

Support is available for businesses in the hospitality, hotel, B&B and leisure industries following the announcement that North East Lincolnshire is to move into Tier 2 restrictions on Saturday.

Last week the Chancellor released further details about the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) along with funds announced to support jobs following the end of the furlough scheme.

That announcement refers to support for businesses in Tier 2 (high alert).  As part of Tier 2 restrictions, Government is providing funding to allow local authorities to support some businesses which are severely impacted by restrictions on socialising.

The funding provided to local authorities is based on the number of hospitality, hotel, B&Bs, and leisure businesses in our area. The grant is only available to businesses who were actively trading before going into Tier 2 on 31 October 2020.

There is a 5 per cent top up amount which the Council can use as a discretionary grant to cover some other businesses that are severely impacted by new local restrictions.

We are currently awaiting further information from Government, including full guidance and confirmation of funding allocation. Once we have received this, we will make further information available.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We understand that these are difficult and challenging times for many businesses. We are committed to ensuring the financial support available reaches these businesses as quickly as possible.

The Council’s website is being continuously updated with the latest information, and as soon as it is available, will include how claims can be made and how they will be processed.

Government has also announced changes to the Job Support Scheme, effective from November 1, to help employers retain employees. Further detail is available through our website and on www.gov.uk

Businesses requiring support and/or more information are encouraged to first visit the council website pages and www.gov.uk which contains lots of useful information on current funding and sources of help and advice.