Sheffield businesses still wondering how to apply for lockdown support grants

Businesses forced to close under the second national lockdown are still waiting for details of how to apply for up to £3,000-a-month.
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Grants based on rateable value are being rolled out following the announcement that many businesses and venues will have to close again.

The new national measures will apply for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December.

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But Sheffield City Council says it is still waiting to hear from government about how the money will be made available.

Sheffield City Council leader Julie Dore.Sheffield City Council leader Julie Dore.
Sheffield City Council leader Julie Dore.

Council leader Julie Dore said they were also waiting for further confirmation of £30m for the region under Tier 3 restrictions announced last month.

She added: “I understand how frustrating and confusing these frequent changes in restrictions are for businesses – especially given the lack of detail about accompanying support packages.

“We are awaiting further details to be able to open the schemes for application as soon as possible.

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"We are also seeking further confirmation about local funds, including the £30m Tier 3 support package previously negotiated to help us provide support to businesses impacted by the restrictions, and how we can retrospectively support businesses during the time in Tier 2 and 3. At a local level we are doing all we can to get timely information out to businesses.

“I’d like to thank businesses for their hard work and efforts, to keep your businesses afloat and your staff employed under such difficult circumstances. The council will be on hand to support you through this next challenging period.”

Businesses closing under lockdown include all non-essential retail shops, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, sports facilities, theatres, concert halls, cinemas and nail salons.

Until Thursday, Sheffield’s Tier 3 ‘very high’ local restrictions will apply across South Yorkshire.

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Government has confirmed the extension of the furlough scheme which pays employees up to 80 per cent of their salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said the government had protected almost 10 million jobs through furlough, approved more than a million government-backed loans, to the tune of £62 billion, paid out almost £14 billion in support of around five million self-employed people, waived £10 billion of business rates, supporting close to 400,000 businesses and given £11 billion in grants covering almost 900,000 business properties.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.