RISHI Sunak has unveiled an extra grants of £2,1000 for 150,000 businesses struggling to cope with extra lockdown measures.
Firms hardest hit by tough Tier 2 rules will be able to get their hands on more cash to help them through “difficult days and weeks ahead” – and they will be able to claim them retrospectively.
Mr Sunak said this lunchtime: “People need to jnow this is not forever. These are temporary restrictions to help control the spread of the virus.
“There are difficult days and weeks ahead.
“It is clear that even businesses who can stay open are facing profound economic uncertainty.
“I am introducing a new grant scheme for businesses impacted by Tier 2 restrictions, even if they aren’t legally closed.
“We will fund local authorities to provide businesses in their area with direct cash grants.”
Mr Sunak announced today hospitality, accomodation and leisure business will be able to access up £2,100 for every month they are in Tier 2 restrictions.
And businesses will also be able to claim the aid retrospectively if they have had to suffer through Tier 2 restrictions since August.
The announcement is a massive peace offering to huge swathes of the North who have had to grapple with more than three months of local lockdown restrictions, without extra financial aid.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham lashed out at the Government this morning for not pledging extra help until London was thrown into Tier 2 restrictions.
Those who are forced to close because of their area has been thrown into the “very high” Covid alert level are already able to claim up to £3,000 a month from the Government.
Smaller businesses are eligible for £1,300 a month if they are forced to close in Tier 3.
