Decision details

In response to the Coronavirus, COVID-19, the government announced there would be support for small businesses, and businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, delivered through the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Grant Fund.

The government has now announced an additional discretionary fund aimed at providing support for some small and micro businesses who were not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund.

The Government has provided guidance that sets out criteria and information which needs to be considered to support Local Authorities in administering the discretionary fund.

The Cabinet Member agrees that,

•  the Discretionary Fund scheme as set out in Appendix 1 is approved.

•  the proposed grant application and award process and timeline as set out in Appendix 2 is noted, and

•  the application of the grant fund is delegated to the Director of Economy & Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, the CX, the S151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to ensure the grant is distributed within the £2.143m government funding, with fair distribution across the eligible business groups.