New Omicron grants aim to support businesses in Three Rivers

Businesses in Three Rivers hit by the recent surge in the Omicron variant of Covid-19 can now apply for new grants schemes from the district council.

The national Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant and the council's Omicron Additional Restrictions Grant (Discretionary) schemes are now available via Three Rivers District Council.

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

Firms in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors - many of which have seen a decline in footfall and increased cancellations due to the Omicron variant - can apply for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises depending on rateable value:

• businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or above: £6,000
• businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000: £4,000
• businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or below: £2,667

The Government announced the introduction of grant support for hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in England in December.

Applications are closed.

Omicron Additional Restrictions Grant (Discretionary)

Businesses working from commercial premises which do not pay rates, and businesses based from home or alternative locations can apply for grants of up to £3,000. The council will support smaller businesses and those operating in the supply chain to the larger businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.

All businesses are required to evidence a direct loss of income resulting from the  Covid-19 situation to qualify for the grant.

Applications are now closed for the Discretionary Omicron Additional Restrictions Grant.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, the Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “This funding is vital for our local economy and we will work to ensure that we can process applications from local businesses swiftly to ensure help comes when hard hit firms need it.

“I urge all eligible businesses to have a look at our website and check the support on offer.”