North East businesses granted £30m Omicron support package by Government

Businesses in the North East most impacted by COVID-19 and the transmission of the Omicron variant will be able to tap into a £30m support package in the coming weeks, as the Government has delivered funding to councils across the country.

Firms in the hospitality, leisure, and accommodation sectors in the North East, many of which have seen a decline in footfall and increased cancellations due to the Omicron variant, will be able to apply for one-off grants of up to £6k per premises depending on rateable value.

In addition, more than £3m in discretionary funding is also being made available for local authorities in the North East to support other businesses.

Business minister Paul Scully said: “The Omicron variant has been spreading fast and I know how much disruption it has caused many businesses this winter, especially in the hospitality and leisure sectors.

“I’m urging businesses in the North East and across the country to engage with their council to make the most of the grants we’re providing. By making use of the support on offer, looking out for one another, and getting our booster jabs, we can all redouble our efforts to defeat this virus.”

The grant funding forms part of a £1bn support package which includes an additional £30m for the Culture Recovery Fund and reintroducing the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, reimbursing eligible businesses for the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences.