Covid-19 Finance and Support Special
Business@Harrogate
Local Restrictions Support Grant: Open for Applications
Business that have been required to close due to the current national restrictions may be eligible for a grant, of up to £3,000.

Applications are now being accepted for the government's Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG). A business may be eligible for a grant if it:

  • is in the Harrogate district

  • occupies property on which it is liable for business rates

  • has been required to close for at least 14 days because of the restrictions

  • has been unable to provide its usual in-person customer service from its premises. For example, a cafe that is required to close and provides a takeaway-only service instead

The amount of grant awarded depends on the rateable value of the business premises. If a business has more than one eligible premise they will receive a grant for each.

Additional Restrictions Grant for Businesses
The government has provided all local councils with grant funding to support eligible businesses that are severely impacted by the coronavirus restrictions.

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is to support

- closed businesses that do not directly pay business rates e.g. they share workspace

- businesses that do not have to close but which are impacted by the restrictions. such as
suppliers to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors and those in the events sector.

Each local council is required to determine the ARG scheme for their area. The council knows that this is a challenging time for many businesses, and is working hard to open applications for this grant as soon as possible.

Please check the council's website and the Business@Harrogate e-newsletter for updates on the Additional Restrictions Grant.
Reminder on National Restrictions
Businesses are reminded that the current national restrictions remain in place until midnight on Wednesday 2 December.

Businesses which are required to close due to the national coronavirus restrictions cannot open until Thursday 3 December.

Government guidance is frequently being updated, and businesses are recommended to check the GOV.UK website for any changes and the latest advice.
Supporting Your Business During Covid-19: Workshops in November
Starting on 26 November, a programme of free workshops will assist businesses address the issues they are facing as a result of Covid-19.

Each workshop offers tailored support and guidance, through peer discussion, guest speakers and experienced Growth Managers. The business topics covered will include funding options, marketing for growth and finding new markets.

The Growing Your Business workshops are supported by the council's Growth Manager service and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership,

Job Retention Scheme (furlough) Claims
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) has been extended until 31 March 2021, and HMRC are reminding employers of key dates for submitting claims.

30 November 2020 is the last day they can submit or change claims for periods ending on or before 31 October 2020.

Claims for furlough days in November 2020 must be submitted by 14 December 2020.
Income Support for the Self-Employed: Claims Open 30 November
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has been extended through to April 2021.

The SEISS will provide two further grants, each paid in a lump sum to cover a three month period.

The third grant will cover 1 November 2020 to 31 January 2021, and be capped at £7,500. Claims for this grant will open from 30 November, and HMRC are due to publish details on GOV.UK.
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