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Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) - 5 January to 15 February 2021

Funding is available for businesses with fixed costs which have been financially significantly affected by the period of national restrictions from 5th January to 15th February 2021, and which are ineligible to apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grant - (Closed) Addendum. See the full Government guidance.

ARG Eligibility

The ARG supports two categories of businesses, as detailed in Government’s ARG Guidance for Local Authorities:

  1. businesses which were legally required to close during this period of national restrictions and which do not pay business rates (see the list of businesses required to close); and
  2. businesses which were not required to close during this period (rated or non-rated), but which
    • were still severely impacted (can evidence a drop in turnover of more than 30% compared to a more representative period of trading); and
    • can evidence fixed non-domestic business costs of £250 or more per month (e.g. rent, rates, equipment hire, marketing, insurance, licensing etc.) 

Business which meet this criteria from any sector can now apply for the second round of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG2).

As before, we particularly encourage businesses that are within or supply the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors to apply, as well as businesses in the events sector and taxi operators licensed by EDDC.

Existing ARG Beneficiaries from Previous Rounds

If your business received the first round of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG1) covering the period of national restrictions 5th November to 2nd December 2020, you will receive an email or letter with an access code. This will allow you to submit a shortened application form for the current period of national restrictions. The form will be pre-populated with information you have provided in your last application. You must declare any changes in your trading circumstances, costs or bank details for the period 5th January to 15th February 2021 prior to submitting your application. 

Ineligible businesses

The following businesses will not be eligible for the scheme:

  1. Businesses which can obtain a grant for the 5th January to 15th February period of national restrictions under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum scheme
  2. Businesses which have already received grant payments that equal the maximum levels of State aid permitted under the de minimis and the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework
  3. Businesses that were in administration, insolvent, where a striking-off notice had been made or were not trading normally immediately prior to the 5th January 2021
  4. ‘Home sharing’ businesses, buy to let properties and premises that are used for personal use only (for example, riding stables) are not eligible

Read the Frequently Asked Questions and the ARG Policy to help you determine if your business is eligible and can make an application.

ARG Policy Updates: - 5th January to 15th February 2021

The existing Policy document was designed for the previous November 2020 national restrictions.

Please note the following specific updates to the ARG Policy:

  • Period of Cover: The current round of ARG funds will initially cover national restrictions from 5th January to 15th February 2021 (42 days)
  • The deadline for submitting applications for this round of ARG2 is 5pm on Thursday 11th March 2021. The Council reserve the right to close the scheme earlier should the allocated funding be exhausted
  • Home based applicant businesses in East Devon must be registered with HMRC and provide their Company Unique Taxpayer Reference as well as a copy of their most recent tax return

ARG2 and Top Up Grant Award Levels

The amount of grant funding depends on individual circumstances and rateable values.  Payment of this grant covers a six week period from the 5th January to 15th February 2021. 

The Government has also made available additional discretionary funding to offer Top Up grants, which are a one off payment in addition to the ARG award. The one off Top Up grant is also based on whether you are registered for business rates or not. Each ARG award and Top Up grant award will be combined into one payment.

Total payment for 42 days (5th January to 15th February 2021) ARG2 Award Top Up Grant Award
Where the business has been required by Government close and is not subject to non-domestic rating; or where the business suffers a significant financial impact and is not subject to non-domestic rating; £1,401 £2,800
Where the business suffers a significant financial impact and is subject to non-domestic rating; RV £0 -£15k £1,401 £2,800
Where the business suffers a significant financial impact and is subject to non-domestic rating; RV £15 -£51k £2,100 £4,200
Where the business suffers a significant financial impact and is subject to non-domestic rating; RV £51k+ £3,150 £6,300

Further ARG Funding Rounds (from 15th February Onwards)

It is expected that the ARG will be extended to cover the remainder of the national lockdown (from 15th February onwards) after Government announces its roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions. Further access codes will be issued to all successful ARG1 and ARG2 applicants once dates are known for any further ARG funding.