A new round of grant funding for East Devon businesses affected by national restrictions from 5th January to 15th February has been launched this week.

Round 2 of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG2) is for businesses with fixed costs from any sector which have been severely financially affected by the latest lockdown. It is not for those businesses which are able to claim the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum.

To be eligible for ARG2:

  • Businesses which do not pay business rates must have been legally required to close between the 5th January and 15th February 2021

or

  • Any businesses not legally required to close which can demonstrate a 30% drop in turnover and can prove fixed costs of at least £250 per month.

East Devon District Council has streamlined business grant applications for ARG2 via eastdevon.gov.uk/arg. Businesses which previously received an ARG1 payment for national restrictions from 5th November to 2nd December will automatically receive an access code to use when completing the short form. The ARG2 is due to close to applications on 5pm on Thursday March 11th.

Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets, said:

As we await details of how the current national restrictions will be eased, I would urge anyone whose business has been significantly affected by the national restrictions 5th January to 15th February to check their eligibility for the Additional Restrictions Grant and submit an application accordingly. This funding is provided to try and alleviate some of the financial pressure on businesses where their trade has been adversely impacted for this period and yet still have fixed costs to meet or which were required to close and don’t pay business rates. Unlike for other grant schemes, this support is not limited to specific sectors.  If you feel that you meet the criteria please don’t delay - apply as soon as you can.

Please see information about grant values and details of all grants available at eastdevon.gov.uk/business-grants.

Businesses are asked to be patient while grant applications are processed, due to the huge surge in demand. Please check the frequently asked questions, as we are unable to receive queries by telephone for this grant. To check eligibility and find out more, visit eastdevon.gov.uk/business-grants

It is expected that the ARG will be extended to cover the national lockdown from the 15th February onwards, after Government announces its roadmap to easing lockdown restrictions. As soon as dates are confirmed, further access codes will be sent to all successful ARG applicants.