APPLICATIONS are now open for the Government’s Additional Restrictions Grant in Copeland.

Copeland Council is inviting applications to the scheme to further support businesses impacted by the current lockdown restrictions.

The Additional Restrictions Support Grant is a discretionary grant scheme to help those businesses that are forced to close, but have no rateable value, or those which – while not legally forced to close – are nonetheless severely impacted. Three types of business are eligible: Businesses mandated to close that don’t pay business rates; businesses that can remain open but have been severely impacted and businesses that have received support under the Local Restrictions Support Grant for closed premises.

A top-up payment under the Additional Restrictions Grant fund will be paid. A top-up payment will only be processed as soon as all businesses that have not yet received funding under points one and two have been assessed.

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “We understand how tough businesses are finding the second lockdown and the restrictions imposed.

“Further to the Local Restrictions Support Grant that was launched last week and is still available for applications, we know this Additional Restrictions Grant will make a significant difference to our business community at this difficult time.

“We are doing everything in our power to support Copeland’s businesses. The turn-around time to get the application process open, and to distribute the grants, is phenomenal at Copeland Council, and I’d again like to thank our Business Rates team for working day and night to make grants available as soon as we possibly can.”

To apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant , or the Local Restrictions Support Grant, businesses can go to: https://www.copeland.gov.uk/coronavirus-resources-business