Deadline for COVID-19 business grants fast approaching

East Devon District Council is offering grants for businesses that were forced to close or have been negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The types of grants available include the Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG), the Closed Business Lockdown Payment (CBLP), and the Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG).

Claimants of the LRSG could receive between £2-4.5k, and those of the CBLP could receive a one-off top-up payment of between £4-9k.

Businesses not in the leisure, hospitality and non-essential retail sector can expect to receive lower rates.

The LRSG and CBLP are both due to close on 31st March, but the LRSG for businesses that were legally required to close from the 16th February will remain open until 31st May.

Businesses that have previously received the LRSG grant can complete a shorter form using an access code.

The ARG will remain open until further notice.

Cllr Jack Rowland, East Devon District Council's Finance Portfolio Holder, said: "Some retail, hospitality and leisure businesses and their suppliers have not claimed any grants.

"We urge all businesses in East Devon to check if they are eligible and make a claim before the deadline at the end of this month.

"We recognise that some businesses are not eligible and criteria imposed by Government may be a barrier.

"However, there are still many businesses who could claim this money before it has to be returned.

"This funding is vital, helping to protect local jobs and support the local economy."

Jill Anderson, Chair of Cranford Sports and Fitness Club, Exmouth, said: "The grants we gratefully received have helped us to get through 7 months of closure.

"The grants have given us the belief that we will be able to re-open to welcome back our members and all those local organisations that love using our facilities."

To check your business' eligibility, click here.