Applications Open for New Covid-19 Business Grant Schemes

Businesses across the Dover district impacted by the latest lockdown can now apply to DDC for a new round of government support grants.

The Government has allocated £2.36m to DDC to create and administer a funding package to help businesses impacted by lockdown restrictions.

There are two parts to the latest funding package:

(1) Grants for businesses with a rateable value (RV) that have been forced to close under the latest lockdown measures. The rate of these grants is set in line with the RV of the business premises as follows:

• RV up to £15,000 - grants of £1,334 per 28-day qualifying restriction period
• RV of £15,001-£51,000 - grants of £2,000 per 28-day qualifying restriction period
• RV of £51,001 or over - grants of £3,000 per 28-day qualifying restriction period

(2) Additional Restrictions Grants available for business closures where companies are not covered under the Local Restrictions Support Grant but have significant fixed costs which are not related to employment.  This is a discretionary scheme and includes:

• Businesses that are closed but don't have a business rates liability because they are not separately rated (for example market traders or shared accommodation where the landlord pays the business rates), or they are on the Council Tax list (such as B&Bs), or;
• Businesses with business rates liability and are permitted to remain open but are being severely impacted by the national lockdown because their main customers have been forced to close (such as suppliers to the retail, hospitality and leisure industries).

Businesses trading from multiple properties can apply for a grant for each property.

Cllr Chris Vinson, cabinet member for finance, said: “Many local businesses have shown great resilience in adapting their services to continue trading.  But for many, the options are limited.

“This latest funding package offers further financial support for those who’ve been forced to close again, as well as those still open but trading at much lower levels.”

To check eligibility and apply online visit www.dover.gov.uk/covidgrants

Note to editors:

1. The Additional Restrictions Grant is a discretionary scheme and can be used across financial years 2020/21 and 2021/22.
2. Since the start of the pandemic DDC has received over £33.32m from the Government to administer a range of grant schemes.