Hull City Council is inviting businesses to apply for the latest COVID-19 business support grants which are now live.

Two schemes are offering grants of up to £6,000 for businesses experiencing difficulties because of the Omicron variant and the government’s response in implementing Plan B, as well as the dual impact of lower consumer demand and staff absences.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant provides a one-off grant to support eligible rate paying businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. Grants will range from £2,667 to £6,000 and are dependent on rateable values. Full details of eligible business types are outlined on the council website along with an online application form. Applications must be submitted by midday on Monday 21 February 2022.

A second scheme, the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG), can provide similar levels of grant support. It targets businesses not eligible for the above grant, but which are severely impacted by coronavirus restrictions and the rise of the Omicron variant. This will include hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses without a rateable property, as well as supply chain businesses. Full guidance and an online application are on the council website. Applications must be submitted by Monday 14 February 2022.

Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council said: “The council has already distributed over £100m of grants to support local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst this latest allocation of extra funding is modest in comparison, it is welcomed. I urge business owners to check their eligibility and make an application where appropriate as quickly as possible.”