BRIGG BUSINESSES URGED TO APPLY FOR FUNDING DURING LOCKDOWN

Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham is urging local businesses to apply for cash assistance being made available by the government through North Lincolnshire Council, of which he is the Leader. Applications must be made by January 24, so don't delay!

Government cash boost to further support North Lincolnshire jobs and businesses through pandemic

FROM JOEL FRANCIS, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

A new injection of Government cash is now available to support local businesses and protect jobs through the coming weeks.
Eligible businesses affected by the lockdown can apply to North Lincolnshire Council to access funding.
Earlier this month, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP announced a new £4.6 billion in support grants.
Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors affected by the pandemic can apply to the council to receive a new one-off payment of up to £9,000 per property.
The pandemic has seen an unprecedented package of Government support to back businesses.
In November, almost £3.5m was made available in discretionary grants, with businesses receiving up to £2,100.
Now the scheme, which is targeted at businesses significantly impacted by national restrictions and not eligible for any alternative schemes, has been extended and will close again at midnight on Sunday 24 January.
The extension is to enable new applicants to apply. To make the process more efficient, businesses that already received a payment from November’s discretionary scheme will automatically receive one to cover January and February without needing to reapply.
Additionally, businesses required to close due to local or national restrictions are still able to apply for the local restrictions support grant, worth up to £3,000 a month depending on the rateable value of the property. Businesses who have already applied will automatically receive their payments without the need to reapply.
In a further move to help business, the Government has extended the job protection furlough scheme until April.
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The Government has committed unprecedented resources to protecting the economy and I know this latest injection of grant funding will bring further reassurance to our local businesses.
“In total the Government support for people, jobs and businesses in cash terms is estimated to be more than £200m for North Lincolnshire when furlough is included. The majority of this has been provided direct to businesses and paid to local people.
“I would urge businesses to explore the range of support that is available to them. The support in place is comprehensive and will help them weather the impact of these challenging times.”
Since March 2020 the council has worked efficiently to get more than £45m of Government cash into business bank accounts quickly to support them and their employees.
To find out more, check eligibility or apply for the grants, visit the Invest in North Lincolnshire website https://investinnorthlincolnshire.com/coronavirus

PICTURED: Brigg town centre by Neil Stapleton; Coun Rob Waltham in Brigg Market Place.