Businesses affected by the Covid-19 national lockdowns or tier restrictions since November are being encouraged to apply for help from Mansfield District Council if they have not already done so.

The council is responsible for assessing applications for the Government’s range of Local Restrictions Support Grants, which apply when tier restrictions or national lockdowns apply, along with the Closed Business Lockdown Payment recently announced by the Chancellor, The Christmas Support Payments for wet-led pubs and Additional Restrictions Grants.

The Closed Business Lockdown Payment is worth between £4,000 and £9,000, depending on the rateable value of a business’s premises, and is payable in addition to the Local Restriction Support grant for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors that are closed due to the current national lockdown. Applications must be made by 31 March 2021.

Discretionary funding is available to provide additional support to eligible businesses on the council’s rating list as well as those that do not pay business rates but are eligible under the council’s discretionary scheme, including grants for taxi drivers.

The council has contacted businesses that previously qualified for Covid support in the November national lockdown to invite them to apply for ongoing support. If you have not been contacted by 22 January 2021, contact the council for advice.

Businesses can apply for grants by using short, simple forms available on the council’s website. Details of all of the grants available can be found at www.mansfield.gov.uk/coronavirus/business.

Dawn Edwards, the council’s head of finance, said: “We particularly want pubs that predominantly serve drinks rather than food to apply online for the £1,000 Christmas Support Payment which is specific to them as the application deadline of 31 January 2021 is approaching.

“We are working hard to ensure we reach all those businesses entitled to help and are processing claims as quickly as we can. We have already handed out £2.5 million in grants since October 2020.

“This is a significant task and we ask businesses to please be patient. The help will get to you.”

The council is also encouraging businesses to sign up to receive business news and support updates via email at www.mansfield.gov.uk/signup.