New support grants are being paid to Redditch hospitality businesses who’ve seen their pre-Christmas periods hit by the effects of the Omicron variant.

The money will be paid from the £270,000 remaining in Government pandemic money provided to support businesses in the borough this financial year, called the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).

Hospitality businesses that have not yet received an ARG grant are urged to email businessgrants@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk for advice without delay.

Hospitality businesses that have already received an ARG grant this year do not need to do anything and will automatically receive the latest grant payment based on their original application.

Please note that the Government has since announced additional funding for this purpose, above what is contained in this news release. Here is more information about the support that is now available.

Cllr Mike Rouse, Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance and Enabling, said: “The over a quarter of a million pounds remaining in the pot this year could make the difference this winter for our local pubs and restaurants that are struggling with the impact of the Omicron variant on their trade. If your business hasn’t already had a grant, make sure to get in touch with the council now. The funding isn’t unlimited, but we will target smaller businesses.”

Cllr Matt Dormer, Council Leader, said: “It’s vital that this money gets into the cashflows of hospitality businesses, particularly local independent businesses, that find themselves severely affected by Covid-19 this winter.”

The ARG is one of several schemes the Government has put in place to support businesses at various points of the pandemic, administered by local authorities.