Local businesses forced to close during the national lockdown are able to apply for a grant from the Cheshire West Covid Support for Businesses scheme.

It is important that businesses who had submitted an online application and received a grant before 31 December 2020, when the borough was under Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions, reapply for a grant now they have had to close.

If a business submitted an application between 31 December and 5 January, when the borough was under Tier 4 restrictions, they will not need to make another application.

Businesses are asked to avoid submitting duplicate applications, as this delays grant payments from being made.

The Government's £1,000 Christmas Support for pubs that predominantly serve alcohol rather than food, also remains open for applications until Sunday, 31 January, 2021.

The Government has announced a one-off support payment of up to £9,000 for the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors in addition to the grant scheme. Council officers are awaiting more information about this and will update the council's website in due course.

For more information about COVID support for businesses in Cheshire West and Chester, visit the Cheshire West and Chester Council website.