Local lockdowns have been enforced in a number of parts of the UK
As with the national lockdown that was imposed back in March, it has meant that a number of businesses have been forced to close. In a bid to support these entities, new grants worth up to £1,500 will be available every three weeks. This will also be available to businesses who are affected by targeted restrictions such as no gatherings of more than six people.
While the scheme is currently being trialled in Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Oldham, it will be rolled out to other local authorities in the coming weeks.
Will I be eligible to make a claim?
The scheme is not designed to support businesses that have closed at a national level, such as nightclubs for example. It’s specifically for those affected by local lockdowns or restrictions.
If you don’t fit the criteria, there are a number of other schemes you may be able to claim for including the business rates holiday, the VAT cut for the hospitality sector, the CBILS, the Small Business Recovery Grant or CJRS.
Should a local lockdown or restrictions become applicable to the area your business is based in, this scheme will be become available to you.
How much will I be able to claim?
The scheme is basing the size of the business on the rateable value of its premises. A business classed as small with a rateable value less than £51,000, or who pays annual rent or mortgage of less than that amount, will be eligible to receive £1,000.
Any business that has a rateable value or mortgage payments more than £51,000 will receive £1,500. Like the other grants, these payments will also be treated as taxable income, so you need to claim for them in your tax return.
If you would like further information about the local lockdown grant or any of the other Coronavirus schemes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with PKB.
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