Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant applications are now open

January 21, 2022

Hospitality, Leisure and Accommodation sectors, that are being affected by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 may be eligible for a one-off government grant of up to £6,000.

On 21 December 2021, the Government announced further assistance for businesses in the Hospitality, Leisure and Accommodation sectors that offer in-person services that are being affected by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors that are eligible for a grant are those that:

Are liable for business rates and have premises on the Council’s rating list as at 30 December 2021.

The premise must be occupied on 30 December 2021 (not empty).

The business must be trading on 30 December 2021.

The closing date for applications is Monday 28 February 2022 and no payments can be made after Thursday 31 March 2022.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, Leader of the Council, said: “We recognise the pressures that the Omicron variant has had on the hospitality sector, and I am so pleased that the Government is offering extra help to support businesses that have been most impacted.

“I urge those who think they are eligible for the additional grant to check on the council website and apply if you are eligible. Making sure you give us enough time to process your application and provide the grant before the end of the financial year.”

Businesses are only eligible where their main service falls within hospitality, leisure or accommodation. Where a business provides other services, the main service will be determined by assessing whether 50% of the overall income of the business falls into one of these eligible categories. Further guidance on businesses that are eligible for the grant is available on Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant Eligibility.

Applicants can receive an update by emailing businessrates@southend.gov.uk and putting “Call back” with their service request number in the email subject field. Due to the expected high increase in customer contact, applicants are asked to avoid contacting the council unless they have not heard about their application after 10 working days.