Final chance for Wiltshire businesses to apply for discretionary COVID grant payments

Wiltshire Council is reopening the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG, also known as discretionary payments) window for businesses who are yet to apply for any other funding.

The ARG supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes and is now only open to businesses that have not received any COVID grant funding between November 2020 and April 2021.

The application window is open from 26 May until 5pm on 2 June, and businesses are urged to submit their applications as soon as they can.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "These are vital funds that will help to support Wiltshire businesses as lockdown is eased, and it is the last chance for businesses to apply for one of these discretionary payments.

"I'd urge all businesses that have not received any other COVID grants support between November and April this year to apply before it's too late, and we will judge their application on their specific circumstances.

"This includes businesses that may not think they are eligible and believe they are excluded, such as events companies - if they have not received other support, they may be eligible for a payment and they should apply.

"We have paid out more than £165m to support Wiltshire businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we want to ensure we have reached as many businesses as we can, so please apply now if think you may be eligible, as any Government funding we are unable to pay out in grants will be returned."

The eligibility criteria for the ARG is determined by the assessment of each individual application, so if they think they may be eligible, businesses are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

To find out more about grants, to apply, and to sign up for the Wiltshire Council business newsletter for up-to-date information, businesses should visit Coronavirus business support grants.