Having raised the difficulties our local hospitality sector has been facing due to the omicron variant with Ministers, I am delighted the Government has announced £1 billion of targeted financial grant support to protect jobs and businesses.
These will be one off cash grants of up to £6,000 for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors depending on rateable value. Additionally, the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, whereby SMEs can claim a cash rebate from the government for the cost of SSP for each employee for two weeks is also being re-introduced to help businesses affected by Covid related absences.
You can access the full Government announcement here: https://www.gov.uk/.../1-billion-in-support-for....
Sevenoaks District Council Leader, Cllr Peter Fleming, has confirmed that SDC will make sure the support reaches eligible district businesses as soon as the full details are available. Please visit here for latest information: https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/.../coronavirus_covid-19....
Our excellent Kent and Medway Business Growth Hub will also be able to offer advice, and can be reached here: https://www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk/.
Finally, if you or a business owner you know needs support, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me at laura.trott.mp@parliament.uk, and I will do all I can to help.