A new application scheme is opening so eligible York businesses can access the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grants.
City of York Council is continuing to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. Since the announcement was made by the chancellor regarding additional business support grants, the council has worked incredibly hard to understand the latest guidance and set up a convenient process which will pay grants to eligible businesses as quickly as possible.
As a result of this work a new process has been set up to distribute grants to leisure and hospitality businesses who are eligible for the latest grant support.
The council is today (14 January) emailing over 1,600 businesses across the city who are eligible to apply to start the process. The council’s Covid business support webpages have been updated with the eligibility criteria and an application form and any business who does not receive an invite by next week will be able to go online and complete the application form. The deadline for applications is 28 February and updates will continue to be provided on the progress of paying the latest grants to businesses.
The council is also continuing work to finalise the processes for distributing the COVID-19 Additional Restrictions Fund and Additional Restrictions Grant through a local support scheme and will announce more details on this as soon as possible. Updates will be shared through the business e-newsletter, which businesses can sign up to at Register for council updates – City of York Council as well as through social media and local media.
Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance said: “This has been an exceptionally difficult past two years for businesses and we continue to do all we can to support them. Since the start of this pandemic we have administered over 25,000 grants with a value of more than £113 million of government grants to York businesses, applied all available business rates support and invested £1 million in additional local support.
“Earlier in the pandemic we were among the quickest paying local authorities and we have been working to get this support to businesses as swiftly as we can. We are now in a position to open the application process so businesses can access the latest round of support. Businesses can also visit our website to view the eligibility criteria and how to apply. Our incredible teams will process all applications as swiftly as we can so that businesses get these grants as soon as possible.”
Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said: “Our teams have been working tirelessly to set up a fair and easy way for businesses to access these important grants. We want to make things as easy as possible for businesses to access this support, which is why we are writing to businesses so they can access this support as swiftly as possible and providing an online form so that grants can be administered quickly.
“We thank businesses for their patience and understanding whilst we have set up this new process. We continue to update our webpage so ask that businesses visit https://www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants for the latest information.
“Anyone who is missed out on this latest support is asked to get in touch with economicgrowth@york.gov.uk as we are continuing to lobby government for comprehensive support and longer-term clarity to ensure businesses and livelihoods are saved.”
