Applications have opened for Restart Grants for Northumberland businesses.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the Restart Grant early in March and, in line with Government guidance, applications opened from 1 April.

Businesses must meet a number of criteria, including that they are occupying premises that they are liable for business rates for on 1 April 2021.

The grant is intended to support non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses which have been affected by Covid-19 restrictions.

It is a one-off grant and there are two different strands of support.

Strand one is for non-essential retail premises and will provide grants of up to £6,000, depending on the rateable value of the premises.

Strand two is for hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses, and will provide a grant of up to £18,000, again depending on the rateable value of the premises.

To be eligible businesses must not be is in administration, insolvent or have been struck off, and by receiving the grant must not exceed the permitted subsidy allowance.

A full list of the types of business which are eligible is available via the council’s website and businesses should apply online at  www.northumberland.gov.uk/businessgrants

Applications for this scheme close on 30 June 2021.