A second National Lockdown was introduced by Government from Thursday 5 November to Wednesday 2 December 2020, forcing certain businesses to close.

The National Restriction Support Grant (Closed Businesses) will provide financial assistance and support to businesses which were open and trading prior to the National lockdown and then required to close for a consecutive period of 4 weeks or more in accordance with the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.

Businesses that have been asked to close, range from non-essential retail, hospitality, Leisure and entertainment venues, guest houses, personal care facilities and community centres. To be eligible to apply for this grant, businesses must be liable to pay business rates and must appear on the Business Rates Valuation List.

The grant received will depends on the rateable value of the property for business rates and there are 3 rates of grant payments:

– rateable value under £15,000 – £1,334 every 4 weeks;

– rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 – £2,000 every 4 weeks; or

– rateable value over £51,000 – £3,000 every 4 weeks.

Payments to eligible businesses will be made every four weeks provided the conditions of the grant continues to be met and the business confirms no changes in their circumstances. The scheme will operate in accordance with Government guidelines and funding availability.

Councillor Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said:

“In the last six months, we have issued more than £30m in additional funding and Hyndburn has been recognised nationally for leading the country in its efforts to support vital local businesses. 

It is important that we continue to support our businesses throughout these difficult times ensuring funds are allocated to those businesses that have been forced to stop trading under the Government’s imposed restrictions. 

Applications for the National Lockdown (Closed Businesses) opens from today, 10th November 2020. I would urge our community of businesses to apply whilst we are still facing local restrictions by going to our website and following the instructions and advice to make your application”.

For further information or to apply please visit: https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/local-restriction-support-grant-schemes/