Local businesses will continue to receive grant support during this the third lockdown.

At the beginning of the week, the government announced one-off top up grants for rated businesses required to close in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors to help them through to the spring. These grants will be valued at:

£4,000 for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under.

£6,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000.

£9,000 for businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000.

Businesses that have already received The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) for the November 2020 lockdown will automatically receive addendum payments and do not need to apply.

Cllr Philip Broadhead, deputy leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Economy, said, “We appreciate that the current lockdown restrictions will have a major impact on our local business community which has already faced significant hardships throughout 2020, however I assure you that grant support remains available.

“I am also pleased to see that the Government has announced further funding to assist businesses through the difficult months ahead and that we will have some discretion to issue grants to those most in need. We will provide further information as soon as possible. In the meantime, I would like to reaffirm our commitment that we will do everything we can to support our local businesses into the New Year and urge you to apply for the funding that is already available.”

For more information and to apply for the various grants schemes, please visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/financialsupport.

However, Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive is concerned about the level of support.

He said, “While this immediate cash flow support for business is welcome, it will be a drop in the ocean for some hard-pressed firms.

“We need to see a clear long-term strategy for the whole of 2021. Support must be sufficient to cover not just those on the front line of retail, hospitality and leisure, but also firms in supply chains and wider business communities who are also feeling the devastating impacts of these restrictions.

“The government must set out a long-term plan that allows all businesses of all shapes and sizes to plan, and ultimately stand the best chance of surviving.

“Dorset Chamber is here to help and we’ll continue to do our best to support, protect and connect our members through our online events as well as offer a free business information and signposting service through the Dorset Gateway, delivered by Dorset Chamber in partnership with Dorset LEP. Call 01202 714800 or visit dorsetchamber.co.uk.”