Cornwall Council has announced details of how it will deliver the government’s Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, as well as the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG), which it has discretion to pay to local businesses most in need.
Businesses eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant will receive a letter from the council shortly with details of the grant conditions and what they will need to supply to verify their eligibility.
Cornwall Council will be processing grant applications under this scheme in two tranches — the second tranche for eligible accommodation providers will open on Monday, 24th January. Audit checks, as required by the government, will also be carried out to ensure that grants are only paid to those entitled to them under the eligibility criteria. Businesses have until Sunday, 20th February, to apply for the grant.
Leader of the council, Linda Taylor, said: “We are pleased that the government has now set out changes to restrict second homeowners registering their properties for business rates.
“Sadly, this will not be in place for this grant scheme, and so we are encouraging any business or resident who is eligible for the scheme, but not in need of a grant, to consider donating the grant to the Cornwall Community Foundation so that it can be re-invested for the benefit of our communities.”
The Cornwall Community Foundation raises funds from individuals and businesses and distributes them to community and grassroots non-profit organisations who are changing lives across Cornwall.
Additional Restrictions Grant
The ARG scheme will open for applications by Tuesday, 25th January, and close on Friday, 4th February at 11.59pm. Information on how to apply will be available on the council’s website from Monday (24th January).
Stephen Rushworth, economy portfolio holder at Cornwall Council, said; “We have consulted with the business community and have tried to prioritise those businesses which were most impacted by Omicron in the run-up to Christmas, but not eligible for the one-off government grant. This is important, as we know the available funding will not go far.”
The ARG will be aimed at businesses who can demonstrate they have been severely affected by Omicron within the following sectors linked to hospitality and leisure:
- Food and drink producers, suppliers, and distributers
- Event businesses, entertainment providers, and suppliers
- Taxi drivers, taxi companies, and private coach companies
- Businesses linked to international travel, for example catteries and kennels
• For more information on business grants visit cornwall.gov.uk/omicrongrant
