Basingstoke MP, Maria Miller, welcomed the new financial support measures being provided to Basingstoke businesses in light of the spread of the Omicron variant
Maria said: “I am really glad to see the implantation of additional support for Basingstoke businesses at this difficult time. Having spoken with many local businesses, I know how concerned they have been about the impact of the Omicron variant, especially on the retail and hospitality sector. I raised these concerns directly with the Chancellor in December and was heartened to see the Treasury announce a further £1 billion in targeted support for businesses most affected by Omicron.
This is now being delivered by the Borough Council, via the new Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, with up to £6,000 of one-off grants available.
Throughout the pandemic, the Borough Council have gone above and beyond to back Basingstoke businesses. I am therefore also delighted to see that the Council will reintroduce the Additional Restrictions Grant, that was vital to businesses during lockdown last year. Changes to the ARG scheme are being made to widen the eligibility and alter the payment levels so that more businesses can be supported.”
Further information about the schemes, which are due to begin operating next week, can be found on the Borough Council’s website:
https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/COVID-19-business-support-grant