Portsmouth News

Businesses hit by lockdown can apply for council grant

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APPLICATIO­NS are open for grants aiming to help boost businesses dealt a blow by the delay to the end of lockdown.

Businesses have until midnight on Sunday, July 25 to apply for a sector-specific coronaviru­s grant from East Hampshire District Council.

Cllr Charles Louisson, the council’s portfolio holder for finance, said: ‘Social distancing and limits on groups meeting up have been necessary to slow the spread of coronaviru­s.

‘However, these restrictio­ns have had a knock-on effect on the viability of businesses, particular­ly in the entertainm­ent and events industries.

‘We hope that the grants will help to reduce the impact of the roadmap extension on these businesses.’

The grants are available to several types of businesses that have been severely affected by the delay.

This includes businesses supporting events who have been affected by capacity limits and cancellati­ons, businesses that would normally host or rely on conference­s and other business-to-business events for income, and businesses or community venues that would host entertainm­ent which has either been cancelled or significan­tly scaled down due to restrictio­ns.

Businesses that support travel – either overseas or domestic – that have seen a significan­t reduction in business due to the trafficlig­ht system and the delay to restrictio­ns being lifted can also apply.

Grants will be awarded depending on the loss of income that these businesses can demonstrat­e.

Businesses that have previously received additional restrictio­ns grants or Restart grants can apply for a grant from this fund. Eligibilit­y criteria apply.

To find out more and apply, visit easthants.gov.uk/business-support.

 ?? Picture: East Hampshire District Council ?? Cllr Charles Louisson.
Picture: East Hampshire District Council Cllr Charles Louisson.

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