Last month the government
announced further funding for local authorities to
support businesses required to close as part of
localised lockdowns to control the spread of
COVID-19.
Certain businesses in Bolton have been closed for 3
weeks, making them eligible for this support. Those
that are eligible will have a period of several weeks
in which they can claim the money they are entitled to
for the 3 weeks they were in lockdown.
This funding will allow Bolton Council to distribute
grants to businesses that fit the following criteria:
- eligible business properties with rateable values
of less than £51,000 will receive a grant of £1,000
- eligible business properties with rateable values
of £51,000 and over will receive a grant of £1,500
- eligible businesses with more than one affected
property will receive a grant in respect of each
property
Business Minister said:
We understand how difficult it is for businesses
required to close as part of localised lockdowns, but
we must take action to reduce the spread of
COVID-19 while
minimising damage to lives and livelihoods.
We have put in place a wide-ranging package of
support to help struggling businesses and today’s
announcement means Bolton Council can start
distributing cash grants to those who need it,
helping them through this challenging time.
In addition, Bolton Council will receive an additional
5% of funding to run a local discretionary grant fund
which could be used to support businesses that do not
pay business rates and other severely impacted
businesses that are prioritised locally.
As with the grants to business-rate paying businesses,
this additional top-up grant will be paid every 3 weeks
to businesses where closures persist.
From Saturday 3 October, Bolton will be brought in line
with measures in place throughout the rest of Greater
Manchester as case rates have fallen.
This means hospitality businesses including bars, pubs,
cafes, restaurants can resume table service subject to
early 10pm closure and the rule of 6 restrictions, and
other businesses such as bowling alleys, indoor skating
rinks, casinos, soft play and conference centres and
exhibit halls will also be able to reopen in Bolton.
