Decision details

To approve the National Lockdown Business Support Policy, including details of the Local Restrictions Support Grant, Additional Restrictions Support Grant, and Local Restrictions Discretionary Hardship Scheme for Businesses, to be administered by the Council.

This policy has been developed following guidance from Government and consultation with Cabinet.

Local authorities are responsible for delivering Local Restrictions Support Grant and Additional Restrictions Support Grant funding to eligible businesses. In addition, a Local Restrictions Discretionary Hardship Scheme for Businesses has been devised locally. In order to formalise arrangements for carrying  out this function, the Chief Executive, in exercise of the emergency delegation in paragraph 4.4 of the Scheme of Delegation in Part 3 of the Constitution, and the emergency delegation approved by the Leader of the Council on 30 March 2020, authorising the Chief Executive to exercise all executive functions, or to authorise specified officers to exercise any such functions, and after consultation with the Leader of the Council:-

1  Approves the National Lockdown Business Support Policy, including details of Local Restrictions Support Grant, Additional Restrictions Support Grant and Local Restrictions Discretionary Hardship Scheme for Businesses.

2. Authorises the Chief Finance Office to approve future individual discretionary grants for small businesses, as set out within the policy.

Due to the Covid 19 emergency and the need for the Council to administer theses grants in line with Government guidance and to support local businesses impacted by the pandemic and subsequent restrictions.

None.  The Council is responding to Central Government direction.