Warwick District Council have today announced two new grant support initiatives to help the hospitality sector in Kenilworth and the rest of the district.

From Friday 4 December, qualifying hospitality and leisure businesses which have been mandated to close due to Tier Three restrictions, can apply for a one-off payment of £2000 through the Additional Restrictions Grant Discretionary Scheme.

In addition, from Monday 14 December, eligible businesses can also claim a grant of up to £1500 (depending on their rateable value) through the Local Restrictions Support Grant Scheme (Closed Businesses) to cover every 14-day period from 2 December for which they have been forced to close.

Successful applicants will continue to receive these payments on a fortnightly cycle until the local restrictions are ended.

Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Finance and Business, Councillor Richard Hales commented "Whilst we realise that this support may be a drop in the ocean for the many cafes, restaurants, pubs, attractions, venues and leisure facilities which have been required to remain closed after 2 December, I would urge them to claim the funding available to them."

The Leader of Warwick District Council, Councillor Andrew Day commented "The Council fully understands the importance of the hospitality and leisure sector to the district's economy, which is why we are pressing the government to lift the Tier Three restrictions imposed on us at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime, we will do everything we can to support these businesses during these extremely difficult times."

The Chair of Kenilworth Chamber of Trade Sarah Kershaw, commented "Having understood the huge disappointment faced by our evening hospitality, pubs, restaurants and cafes, forced to close due to Tier three restrictions, we want to thank Warwick District Council for their hard work in identifying local business needs and their efforts to deliver essential assistance efficiently and speedily.

"I hope these grants will offer some comfort to those businesses and their staff who were so looking forward to welcoming their customers back for the busy Christmas season."

Further details and eligibility criteria for the all business support grants is available on the Warwick District Council website.

The deadline for applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant Discretionary Scheme is midnight on Monday 21 December.