West Berkshire Council have come in for praise amongst small businesses as it announces more financial aid to those who need it.

A new grant scheme has been set up by the Council to provide a one off grant payment for those in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.

The scheme will provide a one-off grant payment based on the rateable value of the premises a business occupies.

The Government has also said that it will cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences for small and medium-sized employers across the UK.

This comes after almost two years of Covid-19 related bills to support businesses, such as reduced rates and rent holidays.

West Berkshire's Executive Member for Finance and Economic Development, Cllr Ross Mackinnon, said: "This further support for businesses is very welcome.

"Now that we have the go ahead from Government, we are keen to distribute these grants to support our businesses as soon as possible.

"This is a one off grant and we're encouraging businesses to apply quickly so that they can benefit."

 

We're inviting applications for a new grant scheme to support businesses in hospitality, leisure and accommodation that have been impacted by Omicron. 📝

Applications must be made by 28 Feb 2022. 📆

Find out more and apply using the link below. @RossMackinnonWB

— West Berkshire (@WestBerkshire) January 7, 2022

 

The Fox and Hounds, an independent pub in Tilehurst, are very grateful for the new scheme.

Landlord Tom Wyatt added: "Without that funding we, and most other pubs, would have gone under.

"It was just enough for us to scrape through, which I’m sure it was intended to achieve.

"There is no bottomless pot of cash so I think it was enough and we were very grateful.

"Although we had to shut down due to myself, our staff and some customers testing positive for Covid-19, the grant with cover our overheads for that period so whilst not making any money we haven’t lost any, which is definitely a bonus."

Another business benefitting from the Council's assistance is The Switch, a relatively new cafe in the Tilehurst Triangle.

A spokesperson for the eatery said: "The council have been very helpful during the pandemic, they’ve communicated clearly, and the business support team have been particularly informative during this period.

"Until now I can’t fault the council.

"We have been made clearly aware of the new grant and as in the case with previous cases, the rollout of grants has been smooth and straightforward.

"Despite not covering the shortfall of the level of trade we would usually do at this time of year, it goes a long way to helping with several running costs."

 

Businesses have until 28, February to apply, with payments made by 31, March.

Click here to find out more about the scheme.