Decision details

Executive considered a report of the Deputy Leader which provided an update on the allocation of funding from the current round of discretionary grant funding.

The report set out information regarding the allocation of Additional Restrictions Grants using the original criteria, the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) and the Additional Restrictions Grant using the second criteria.

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Sandra Peake

RESOLVED – that

1)    the awards and commitments, as listed in the report, made on the basis of the priorities and criteria set out in this report for the Additional Restrictions Grant under both the original and second criteria, be endorsed.

2)    it be noted that it was not intended to close either of the Additional Restrictions Grant Schemes to new applications yet because the Council had received a ‘top up’ of discretionary grant funding of £715,636 in January 2021.

3)    a continuation of the existing eligibility criteria and award levels for both the Additional Restrictions Grant schemes under the original and second criteria to ensure both previous and future applicants for discretionary grant funding will be treated equitably, be endorsed.

4)    payment of the following be endorsed:

i.              a fourth tranche of awards under the second criteria for the Additional Restrictions Grant; and

ii.            a second award for businesses in receipt of an award under the original criteria for the Additional Restrictions Grant:

if sufficient funding remains in the relevant funding pots following the Easter Bank Holiday weekend

or officers will pro-rata a final payment after Easter if there is insufficient funding for a full award of a second grant under the original criteria or fourth tranche of awards under the second criteria for the Additional Restrictions Grant but the Council retains over £200,000 in available funding.

REASON FOR DECISION:

These awards and pending commitments have been and will continue to be vital in terms of the support they offer local businesses regardless of whether they operate from premises with a rateable value or from anywhere else in the District.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The option to do nothing with the Additional Restrictions Grant cannot be countenanced by the Council.  The options to do more are limited by the amount of funding available to the Council.

(Director of Development)

(Paragraph 3)