BUSINESSES in Northumberland which have been forced to close due to coronavirus restrictions can access a new package of support.

Northumberland County Council will contact eligible businesses via email, and once brief details have been confirmed payments covering a six-week period will be made.

The business support package for the lockdown from 5 January onwards includes two elements:

  • Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum: 5 January – 15 February; and
  • A one-off Closed Business Lockdown Payment.

If applicable, payment for the five days from 31 December to 4 January, to cover Tier 4 restrictions, will also be included. The amounts payable will be dependent on the rateable value of the business.

Businesses forced by Government to close, including non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses are all eligible.

Nick Oliver, cabinet member for Corporate Resources at Northumberland County Council said: “We are extremely pleased to get this payment process underway, so that we can support businesses during the current lockdown.

“We know that the number and type of grants can be confusing, and to make it easier, we will be emailing all of the businesses which we know will be eligible.

“It is very important that any business which has been legally required to close, and which has not made an initial application for a Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum yet, does so before 31 January 2021.

“We are using the details provided for initial applications to process payments for future time periods, so these initial applications are very important.”