We opened the application process for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) scheme on Monday and since then, 1,070 Plymouth businesses have applied for financial support.
Our team has been working hard to process applications as quickly as possible and more than half of all current applications have been approved, at a value of £804,278 which will be paid into business bank accounts next week.
We also have a team of staff manning a helpline to offer any additional support needed during the application process and they have taken more than 170 calls this week.
We expect to receive about 3,000 applications for the LRSG scheme, which means there are thousands of businesses that haven't yet claimed the financial support available. If your business has been legally required to close due to the current national coronavirus restrictions and you pay business rates, you could be eligible for a grant. You can apply through the Plymouth City Council website.
Eligible businesses can claim the following grants, based on their rateable value:
- For properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or under, grants to be £1,334 per 28 days;
- For properties with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000, grants to be £2,000 per 28 days;
- For properties with a rateable value of £51,000 or over, grants to be £3,000 per 28 days.
Check the eligibility criteria and find FAQs on the business grants page.
When you apply, you’ll need to supply certain information to protect against fraudulent claims, including your business rates account number. Sole traders will also be asked to provide their date of birth. All businesses will also need to supply their bank details as well as an image of your business bank statement or cheque book if this is your first COVID-19 grant from the Council.
The Council is aiming to make all grant payments within ten days of application.
Additional Restrictions Grant scheme
Plymouth has been allocated £5 million for a second discretionary grants scheme, known as the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme.
If you are not eligible for the LRSG scheme you may be able to access support from the ARG scheme instead. We will share more details with you as soon as we have confirmed information.
On our website you can also find more information about the wide range of support on offer to help your business get through COVID-19.