Local businesses urged to apply for financial support grants as deadline looms

Wandsworth Council is encouraging local businesses to check if they are eligible for any of the council's current grant schemes to ensure they don't miss the chance to claim funding before the deadline of March 31.

Cllr Rory O'Broin, the cabinet member for finance, resources and climate sustainability, said:

"We are keen to ensure that all businesses access the financial support they need and are calling on businesses to apply for all grants available, but especially those with a deadline of 31 March.

"So far during the pandemic, Wandsworth Council has issued £79.8m in cash grants to over 8,900 claims and awarded an additional £69.2m in 100% business rate reliefs, but we know that many businesses have been hit hard and need further support.

"Please apply before the deadline of 31 March."

The 31 March deadline does not apply to the Additional Restrictions Grant (information listed below) which currently does not have an end date.

Wandsworth Council grant schemes currently open for applications

Local Restrictions Support Grant (open) – for businesses that stayed open

This grant is for businesses in the hospitality, hotel, bed & breakfast and leisure sectors that were not legally required to close but were severely impacted by Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions. You must be registered for business rates.

Local Restrictions Support Grant (closed) – for businesses that had to close

This grant supports businesses that were required by law to close due to the tier and national lockdown restrictions between 5 November onwards. These include non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses. You must be subject to business rates.

LRSG Sector - Statutory Scheme

This grant is for businesses with a business rates liability that have been required to close due to the national restrictions introduced in March 2020, and which have not been able to re-open; specifically - Nightclubs, Dance Halls, Discotheques, Adult Entertainment Venues and Hostess Bars.

Closed Business January Lockdown Support Package

For all businesses with a business rates liability that were mandated to close during the National Lockdown restriction period from the 5 January 2021 onwards - e.g. Non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure and personal care (gyms, hair, nail and beauty salons).

Additional Restrictions Grant - discretionary scheme

This grant is predominantly for businesses that have suffered since the start of the tier and lockdown restrictions but have not been eligible for any of the other schemes, whether subject to business rates or not. The 31 March deadline does not apply to this grant.

You can find out which grants you may be eligible for and apply online here.

Or call the Business Rates Customer Services team on (020) 8871 6454