Sefton Businesses urged to apply for Omicron grants without delay

Sefton Council is urging local business rates payers in the hospitality and leisure sectors to apply for the next round of the Government’s Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme.

Businesses that have experienced reduced trade owing to the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant because they are in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors can apply to the scheme.

But because of the Government’ requirements applications need to be submitted by Monday 14^th February.

More information about the scheme and how to apply will be available at www.sefton.gov.uk/business/business-rates/covid-19-business-support-for-202021-202122/ from Wednesday and the window for applications opens on Friday 21^st January.

Businesses that think they may be eligible are urged to read the guidance on the website before applying

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services said:

“We are encouraging any businesses planning on making applications to get them in as quickly as possible and to make sure they supply all the information that’s required.

“This is because the Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has set a tight, end-of-February deadline for the Council to assess applications and agree payments and we want all local businesses eligible for a grant to get paid.”

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:

“Sefton Council has recognised that businesses across the Borough have face enormous challenges throughout the pandemic and I am pleased that we have been able to process over 23,000 grant payments totalling over £97 million in payments to help support them, with a further £1.3 million in the pipeline.

“And now with this new round of funding in the form of the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, I hope we are going to be able to help even more but to help us process their applications, we do need businesses to apply without delay and to look out for any further grant announcements that are made.”