The second lockdown period has hit businesses hard, so I am pleased to see that the Government has announced that the current lockdown will end on 2 December, and that we will be placed back into a tiered system in an effort to control the coronavirus.
The Chamber Board has been working very hard on the ‘Shop Local’ scheme to ensure businesses are signed up and able to take advantage of the offer from the moment their doors re-open. If you have not received details or your pack, please let us know. The ‘Shop Local’ scheme is open to all businesses, not just retail.
Following the Government’s announcement on lifting lockdown, the local authority has now provided the following information on the two grant schemes available through Mole Valley District Council to help local businesses which have been affected by the lockdown restrictions:
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The Local Restrictions Support Grant is for businesses which receive a rates bill from the Council and are required to close during restrictions
- The Additional Restrictions Grant is aimed at businesses without a rateable value which are not able to trade, or which form part of the supply chain to businesses instructed to close.
The closing date for grant applications is 12 noon Monday 7 December 2020. Please click HERE for more information.
Christmas 2020
The Government has announced that up to three households will be allowed to stay together and form a ‘Christmas bubble’ from 23 to 27 December, as agreed by all four UK nations. This is a permitted relaxation of the rules, but the Mole Valley Chamber would still encourage Members to avoid unnecessary contact and travel during these times. The recent news announcements on vaccine results is encouraging, though we should remain fully vigilant until we are assured that meeting up is allowed, and safe to do.
