Businesses in England that are forced to shut because of local interventions will now be able to claim up to £1,500 per property every three weeks, ministers say.
The chief secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay told MPs yesterday that the scheme will be introduced to provide a ‘safety net’ for businesses affected by lockdown measures.
To be eligible for the grant, a business must have been required to close due to local Covid-19 restrictions.
The largest businesses will receive £1,500 every three weeks they are required to close. Smaller businesses will receive £1,000.
‘These grants provide businesses with a safety net as they temporarily close their doors to help save lives in their local areas,’ said Mr Barclay.
‘As local economies eventually and carefully re-open after local interventions, our Plan for Jobs is there waiting to help businesses get back on their feet, protect jobs and thrive in the future.’
Business secretary Alok Sharma commented: ‘No business should be punished for doing the right thing, which is why today’s package will offer additional breathing space for businesses that have had to temporarily close to control the virus.
‘Through our wider Plan for Jobs, we will continue to back our innovators and job creators across the country who are playing a critical role as we build back better from the pandemic.’
