A further £2 million pounds paid to 418 local businesses

Stoke-on-Trent City Council yesterday (February 25) paid out £2,389,561 to businesses across the city.

418 businesses have received a further grant to help them through the coronavirus pandemic, under phase three of the ‘Additional Restrictions Grant’. This comes as phase one and two of the fund saw a total of £1,416,101 allocated out across Stoke-on-Trent based businesses.

Under this grant, the city council received a one-off lump sum payment amounting to £20 per head of population as national restrictions were imposed on 5 November 2020. This was topped up as part of the £594 million discretionary fund for Local Authorities announced on 5 January 2021.  Phase 1 of the scheme covered the period 5 November 2020 to 1 December 2020. Phase 2 of this scheme covered the period 2 December 2020 to 15 February 2021.

Those who were successful in phase 1 and 2 will automatically receive a further grant under phase 3. Phase three of the Additional Restrictions Grant will be paid to:

• Businesses trading from premises for which they are not the direct ratepayer (e.g. shared spaces, or premises under a paramount control of another party)
• Home and Mobile workers that can demonstrate ongoing fixed business related costs
• Businesses which, whilst not legally forced to close, are nonetheless severely impacted by the restrictions put in place. This will include businesses registered for business rates which supply the retail, hospitality, personal care and leisure sectors, or businesses in the events sector where such trade represents more than 50% of the expected business with a closed organisation.
• Market Traders within the council’s area, who are not able to trade, due to the nature of their business or the closure of the premises from which they trade
• Bed & Breakfast businesses which are liable for council tax rather than business rates
• Businesses that can evidence that their takings have reduced by  50% or more for the period 1 January 2020 to 29 February 2020 directly compared to 1 January 2021 to 28 February 2021

Businesses that did not receive a grant in the first two phases but think they may be eligible are encouraged to apply when phase 3 opens for applications- 1 March to 12 March 2021.

Leader of the city council leader Abi Brown said: “This week businesses were given new hope with the roadmap announcement by government. However we know any type of funding is still a lifeline that can help businesses to keep going through the restrictions that are currently in place in response to coronavirus.

“Many businesses have already benefited from the ARG grants, and we want as many businesses as possible to be able to benefit from the next phase. I encourage all that think they may be eligible to check the criteria on our website and apply.

“Stoke-on-Trent had one of the fastest local economies to rebound from the last recession; we want to help support the reopening of as many businesses as possible over the next few months. We want Stoke to be powered up once more and our economy to recover and develop further.”

Businesses are encouraged to check the criteria and apply via: www.stoke.gov.uk/businessgrants.

For the latest information on council services and support during the coronavirus, and frequently asked questions, please visit www.stoke.gov.uk/coronavirus. For latest health advice on the coronavirus, please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus, and for further information on the virus visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

All residents are reminded about the critical importance of regular handwashing with soap and hot water for 20 seconds. The significance of this action cannot be underestimated. If residents have symptoms, please get tested. All residents must continue to follow the guidance of wash hands, cover face and make space.

For more information on digital services, visit www.stoke.gov.uk, download the MyStoke App, or follow the city council’s social media channels.