Issue - meetings

On 31st October 2020, the Government announced the introduction of additional support for Local Authorities under national and local Covid Alert Level 3 restrictions. This funding was intended to support local businesses who had suffered financial loss as a result of the pandemic and for businesses which had not been eligible for other Government grant schemes. An initial allocation of £1.7million had been provided, followed by an additional £800,000 top up in January 2021.

A report was submitted which explained that:

• following revised Government guidance, the Council was now required to fully commit the first two allocations of funding to local businesses by 30^th June 2021 (nine months earlier than the original deadline);

• the Acting Chief Executive, under the urgency provisions of Standing Order 35, had agreed to make additional one-off top up payments to local businesses; and

• as at 1^st June 2021, £1,886,572 remained unspent - failure to commit this remaining allocation by 30^th June would prevent a further £800,000 top up being received from the Government in July.

Measures to help publicise the available funding were discussed, including the use of social media. It was also suggested that local accountancy firms were likely to be providing services to businesses which may qualify and could therefore be used as conduits to raise awareness. In this respect, Councillor Langton proposed a separate resolution to urge Members to help relay information about this funding opportunity throughout their Wards.

            R E S O L V E D – that:

A.    the decision taken under urgency powers to make additional one-off top up payments to local businesses from the Additional Restriction Grant allocation be ratified; and

B.    Councillors be urged to notify as many businesses as possible within their Wards about the availability of Additional Restrictions Grant funding by whatever means are likely to be effective.