Nearly 200 Stoke-on-Trent Covid-hit businesses benefit from grant scheme

Nearly 200 businesses in Stoke-on-Trent have benefited from a Covid-19 grant scheme – and now more are being invited to apply.

Bed and breakfasts, market traders and a range of other businesses affected by the third national lockdown can apply for support under phase two of the Government's Additional Restrictions Grant scheme.

A total of £266,488 was allocated to 189 successful applicants in Stoke-on-Trent under phase one, which ran during the second national lockdown in November.

Under phase two, successful applicants will be entitled to grants of between £2,239 and £8,142, depending on the type and size of their business. This payment is intended to cover the period December 2 to February 15.

Phase two grants wil be paid to:

• Businesses trading from premises for which they are not the direct ratepayer (e.g. shared spaces, or premises under a paramount control of another party);
• Home and mobile workers that can demonstrate ongoing fixed business related costs'
• Businesses which, while not legally forced to close, are nonetheless severely impacted by the restrictions put in place. This will include businesses registered for business rates which supply the retail, hospitality, personal care and leisure sectors, or businesses in the events sector where such trade represents more than 50 per cent of the expected business with a closed organisation;
• Market traders within Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s area, who are not able to trade, due to the nature of their business or the closure of the premises from which they trade;
• Bed & breakfast businesses which are liable for council tax rather than business rates;
• Businesses that can evidence that their takings have reduced at least 50 per cent for the period November 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, directly compared to November 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.

Applicants who were successful in receiving a grant in phase one will not be required to complete a new application and will receive further payments under phase two as applicable.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council received a one-off lump sum from the Government for the ARG scheme in November, which equated to £20 per head of population. This was topped up as part of the £594 million discretionary fund for councils announced earlier this month.

Council leader Abi Brown said: “We know any type of funding is a lifeline that can help businesses to keep going through the restrictions in place in response to coronavirus. I’ve lobbied Government for the best deal for businesses in the city, and will continue to do so.

“It is fantastic to see so many businesses have already benefited from the ARG grants, and we want as many businesses as possible to be able to benefit from the next phase. While applications were live for the first phase, we received lots of inquires about who can apply.

"Market traders – whether essential traders or not - and driving instructors can apply for this grant, but must meet all of the qualifying criteria. We were we also asked if dog groomers can apply. Under new legislation they cannot. However, they now qualify for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for closed businesses. We have a dedicated helpline businesses can call and I encourage businesses to call if they have any queries.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing details on further funds businesses can apply for and we are continuing to do all we can to support our local economy during these tough times.”

Businesses can check the criteria and apply at www.stoke.gov.uk/businessgrants.