A council is getting ready to distribute further support for businesses that have been forced to close as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Following Boris Johnson's roadmap announcement on February 22, the Government also announced details of a continued business support package, called the Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG).

This grant is for businesses that would've been open and providing in person services to customers from their business premises, but were forced to close under Tier 4 restrictions from December 31, and including the national lockdown, which started on January 5.

Hyndburn Borough Council will operate the scheme in line with Government guidelines and funding availability, with the amount to be paid for the period between February 16 and March 31 determined by the rateable value of the property for business rates purposes.

The council say there are three rates of grant payments available to businesses which are as follows:

• Rateable Value under £15,000 - £2,096

• Rateable Value between £15,000 to £51,000 - £3,143

• Rateable Value over £51,000 - £4,714

Leader of Hyndburn council, Councillor Miles Parkinson OBE, said: “In the last six months, we have issued more than £36m in additional funding and Hyndburn has been recognised nationally for leading the country in its efforts to support vital local businesses.

Miles Parkinson OBE

Miles Parkinson OBE

"It is important that we continue to support our businesses throughout these difficult times al allocate funds to businesses that have been forced to stop trading under the Government’s imposed restrictions.

"Businesses that have previously applied for, and have been issued with Local Restriction Support Grant for the period December 31 to February 15 will be automatically issued with a further payment for the period February 16 to March 31, and there is no requirement for them to contact the council.

"For businesses that are mandated to close, but have not yet applied for Local Restriction Support Grant, the council has extended the closing date for businesses to make an application."

Applications for Tier 4 and National Lockdown Local Restriction Support Grant scheme will remain open until March 31.

All the information needed to apply is on the Hyndburn Borough Council website with the online form available 24 hours a day.

The application form incorporates a section around additional one-off grants of up to £9,000 for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Cllr Parkinson added: "I would urge our community of businesses to apply whilst we are still facing local and national restrictions.”

The grants are in accordance with The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020.

For information or to apply, please visit hyndburnbc.gov.uk/coronavirus/