The government has confirmed that hotels in England will be able to access the Local Restrictions Support Grant.
The grant is aimed at hospitality, hotel, bed & breakfast and leisure businesses.
According to the guidance:
Grants of up to £934 per 28-day period for businesses occupying hereditaments with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under on the date of the commencement of the local restrictions.
Grants of up to£1,400 per 28-day period for businesses occupying hereditaments with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 on the date of the commencement of the local restrictions.
Grants of up to £2,100 per 28-day period for businesses occupying hereditaments with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or above on the date of the commencement of the local restrictions.
“We are asking Local Authorities to prioritise hospitality, hotel, bed & breakfast and leisure businesses for grants funding in this scheme.”
The government also confirmed that guest accommodation providers such as hotels, B&Bs and caravan parks may remain open for the specific reasons set out in law, including where guests are unable to return to their main residence, use that guest accommodation as their main residence, or would otherwise be made homeless as a result of the accommodation closing. Accommodation providers were also encouraged to work cooperatively with Local Authorities to provide accommodation to vulnerable groups including the homeless during this period of national restrictions.
News of the grant was followed by an announcement that the furlough scheme was to be extended to March.
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said: “The Chancellor has built a bridge for business to Spring 2021 and taken much needed steps to help firms across the UK survive this winter.
“Extending the tried and trusted Job Retention Scheme will give companies the certainty and stability they need to help safeguard thousands of jobs into March. Sectors and supply chains under the greatest strain may need more tailored support in the coming weeks.
“The government must now use its time wisely and the review in January to get ahead of the curve and invest in a long-term vision for the economy.
“The Covid crisis makes the next six months even more crucial for government to pursue its levelling-up ambitions and work towards a net-zero economy. Investing in infrastructure, skills and innovation at the next Spending Round will lead to a swifter recovery and a brighter future for our country.”