£5BN GRANT TO SAVE PUBS
Restart grants lifeline boost
PUBS and restaurants will get a bailout scheme to help them survive the pandemic.
A £5billion grant has been announced to help the hospitality industry, as well as shops and other businesses.
The “restart grants” will be announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his Budget on Wednesday and awarded next month.
Hospitality, hotels, gyms and leisure firms will be eligible for up to £18,000 as they open once the lockdown is eased.
Mr Sunak said: “Our local businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, which is why we went big and went early with a multibillion pound package of support.
“This £5billion of extra cash grants will ensure our high streets can open their doors with optimism.”
The Treasury estimates 230,000 firms will be eligible for the higher band, which will be awarded based on their rateable value, and
450,000 shops will also be able to apply for help.
The £5bn is targeted at England, but those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive an extra £794million in funding through a different scheme.
In January, Mr Sunak unveiled oneoff grants of up to
£9,000 for struggling firms.
They were on top of a separate scheme in which businesses forced to shut can claim £3,000 a month from the Government.
STONE Roses star Ian Brown has vowed he will never play for fans who are forced to take a Covid vaccine.
There is speculation people will need to prove they have had the jab to be able to go to entertainment venues.
In a post online, the rock star declared: “I will NEVER sing to a crowd who has to be vaccinated as a condition of attendance. NEVER!”
In another post, he said: “To all festival promoters: ‘Please do not collaborate with SAGE/GOVT re vaccine passports for entry. Don’t help usher in the new nazi normal’.”
One sarcastic follower replied: “That’s up to Butlins surely?”
While pop duo Jedward told Brown: “Your music and your cheekbones are a dream but your tweets are a nightmare.”