Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Housing and Customer Services

Presented by the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder

Councillor T Gillard presented the report, seeking Cabinet approval for two policies on discretionary business support grants as a response to the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The National Restrictions Support Policy aimed to support those businesses which were forced to close or were otherwise severely impacted during the national lockdown; whilst the Local Restrictions Discretionary Support Policy was designed for use should North West Leicestershire stay within tier 2 or 3 restrictions for 28 days or longer.  

The report also -confirmed that a request to waiver call-in on the decision had been obtained to allow a timely launch of the scheme, ensuring local businesses received essential grant funding. 

Members spoke in support of the policies, citing the importance of providing comprehensive, fair and swift assistance to local businesses and individuals.

Members also praised the hard work of the finance team since the first lockdown in March 2020 and were confident in their ability to quickly and smoothly operate the schemes set out in the appendices. 

It was moved by Councillor T Gillard, seconded by Councillor R Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT CABINET

1)    Approves the National Restrictions Discretionary Support Policy (Additional Restrictions Grant) at Appendix 1, and the Local Restrictions Discretionary Support Policy at Appendix 2.

2)    Delegates authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, to:

·      Update these Discretionary policies in response to further guidance or clarification from government, to reflect future restrictions and to ensure the smooth administration of grants.

·      Vary the level of grant award to individual businesses and eligibility requirements to ensure the fair distribution of grants.

·      Vary the allocation of additional restriction grant funds to the National Restrictions Support Policy and to top up the Local Restrictions Discretionary Support Policy.

Reason for decision: To ensure the council can respond swiftly in the current national restrictions period and in the event of future periods of local or national restrictions.