Rishi Sunak has announced a one-off grant of up to £9,000 for some businesses that will be affected by the national lockdown, including hospitality, retail and leisure venues.
The Chancellor has explained there will be a range of new support grants offering ‘non-essential’ businesses up to £9,000 through to spring.
The rates include £4,000 for businesses with a rateable value of £15k or under, £6,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15k and £51k, and finally £9,000 for businesses with a value over £51k.
The grants are a part of a wider web of lockdown grants totalling to £4.6billion.
Speaking on the one-off top up grants, Rishi Sunak said: “The new strain of the virus presents us all with a huge challenge – and whilst the vaccine is being rolled out, we have needed to tighten restrictions further.
“Throughout the pandemic we’ve taken swift action to protect lives and livelihoods and today we’re announcing a further cash injection to support businesses and jobs until the Spring.
“This will help businesses to get through the months ahead – and crucially it will help sustain jobs, so workers can be ready to return when they are able to reopen.”
The government has also provided 100% business rate relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April and 100% government backed loans are extended to March.
