Additional Restrictions Grant

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is aimed at businesses that have been significantly financially impacted due to the Government’s response in December 2021 to the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, introducing international travel restrictions and implementing the Government’s Plan B restrictions.

This additional fund is aimed at businesses with ongoing fixed costs that are significantly financially affected by the latest COVID-19 restrictions.

Eligibility

The following eligibility criteria applies and businesses must:

• have been trading on 30 December 2021
• not be eligible for an Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant
• have 49 employees or less
• have ongoing fixed monthly business costs in North Somerset (e.g. rent, insurances, utilities, equipment rental)
• not have exceeded state subsidy levels
• have been significantly affected by the Government’s response to the new Omicron variant
• be registered with HRMC if a home-based business and provide their Company Unique Taxpayer Reference and a copy of their most recent tax return.
• must not be in administration, insolvent or subject to a striking-off notice

Potential eligible businesses include:

• Cafes not paying business rates
• Breweries
• Freelance and mobile businesses (inc. caterers, events)
• Coach tour operators
• Tour operators
• Personal care (hair dressing & beauty)
• Travel agents
• Wedding industries
• Taxi driver
• Driving instructors
• Guest houses not paying business rates
• Holiday apartments, Cottages or bungalows not paying business rates
• B&Bs not paying business rates
• Catered holiday homes not paying business rates
• Holiday homes not paying business rates

Eligibility for grants is restricted to specific businesses that have seen a significant impact in their turnover due to the recent Omicron COVID-19 outbreak.

How to claim and when?

If you previously received an Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation or leisure sectors you may be eligible for this new grant and North Somerset Council will email you directly with a link to the online application form.

If you do not receive an email inviting you to claim the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant but you believe that you are eligible you can apply via the North Somerset Council website below: 

https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/community-safety-crime/emergency-management/covid-19-north-somerset-together/information-organisations-businesses-groups/restrictions-support-grants-businesses/additional-restrictions-grant