Extra cash help for small city businesses

More help for some Sunderland businesses hit by the pandemic is being provided through the latest round of Covid support released by the city council.

Taxi drivers are being awarded additional support to help them through a challenging trading period, with those who have previously received a grant through the Taxi Driver Support scheme set to receive an additional £500.

The council say an Additional Restrictions Grant will asoon be available for a selection of businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure, non-essential retail and personal care sectors and those in the supply chain.

Payment levels are still being finalised.

Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at Sunderland City Council, said: “Though there is cautious optimism as we begin to see lockdown measures ease, so many businesses have been hardhit by the pandemic and the restrictions in place, and we’re ensuring that we target funding to support them.

“We’re working hard to engage with businesses that need support – not only helping with funding, but also practical support and signposting to ensure that the city’s businesses come through this on the best possible footing.”

It is also expected a Covid Recovery Fund will be launched soon, to support business growth projects that will lead to jobs in sectors impacted by Covid.

Details of all available grant schemes can be found at http://www.suderland.gov.uk/covid-19business