Second Omicron grant scheme launched in West Suffolk

24 Jan 2022

A second grant scheme designed to help some of the businesses that have been severely impacted by the Omicron variant, has been launched in West Suffolk.

Last week, West Suffolk Council opened applications for the Government’s Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG). The council has been given an allocation of £1.74m to pay out OHLG grants to hospitality, leisure and accommodation firms in the business rates system including restaurants, pubs, and hotels. Fixed amounts of up to £6,000 are available based on rateable value.

Alongside this the council has been given £310,000 for the Omicron Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) to help support other businesses including those not in the business rates system, that have been severely impacted by the Omicron variant and who do not qualify for OHLG.

The council warns, however, that with all previous allocations of ARG already paid out to businesses, and with limited funding for the scheme, grants may be somewhat smaller than those received under previous ARG schemes.

The following types of business can apply for Omicron ARG:

• Small bed and breakfast businesses
• Accommodation, hospitality, and leisure businesses occupying shared spaces
• Businesses in the supply chain to the accommodation, hospitality, leisure, tourism, and events sectors
• Personal care, gyms, and sports businesses
• Meeting and conference rooms
• Pet-care businesses (day care and animal boarding)
• Community centres attached to places of worship

Eligibility criteria apply and OHLG applicants cannot apply for the ARG scheme.

Unlike its previous grant schemes, West Suffolk Council is unable to say how much the Omicron ARG grants will be at this stage. With limited funding, the Council will review and decide on grant amounts for different categories of business once applications have closed on 18 February 2022. Those decisions will be based on evidence of the scale of impact on trade and other criteria such as the type of business. The Council warns, however, that based on previous numbers of applicants, the levels of payment may be somewhat small compared to those paid previously, because of the smaller allocation from Government.

Cllr Susan Glossop, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council said: “We recognise that has Omicron impacted many West Suffolk businesses beyond those that qualify for the Government’s Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant. We have a limited amount of funding for our ARG scheme which is why we want to hear and see the impact on businesses before we make any decisions over grant amounts.”

The deadline for both the OHLG and Omicron ARG applications is 18 February. Businesses should check eligibility and apply at www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/c19business (link removed as section is no longer live)

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