THE Government is providing funding to help support Torridge based businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions.

Applications may be made up until 4pm on February 16.

This grant is for business rate payers who are still able to trade and who have lost business because of the restrictions and non business rate payers who have either been told to close or who have lost business because of the restrictions.

Recognising how confusing the grants process can be the council has tried to make applying as simple as possible in the hope that people will not be put off claiming.

For this period of national lockdown business rate payers can receive £750, £1,350 or £2,001 dependent upon their turnover plus a one-off payment of between £4,000 and £9,000 dependent on their rateable value. Non-business rate payers would receive £750, £1,350 or £2,001 dependent upon their turnover. For those in a sector that would have been eligible for a grant during the Tier 3 period December 31, 2020, to January 4, 2021, a pro rata payment of £238 will be added to their award.

Cllr Ken James, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “There have been a lot of government support grants recently, and to their credit our teams have worked hard to make these available as quickly as possible so that these vital payments make their way to those affected. We would urge businesses to make sure they check out all the funding options and apply to take advantage of the support packages available. We will do our part to ensure speedy processing and transfer of any money they are due.”

People can apply each time there is a review of the local restrictions, therefore the council’s ongoing message is to always check the coronavirus help pages on its website for the most up to date information. Visit www.torridge.gov.uk/article/18632/Business-Support-Grants