Discretionary Grant 2 – Hardship scheme for open businesses

Updated 21/1/2021 We know businesses continue to struggle as a result of the ongoing Covid 19 restrictions implemented on Tuesday 5 January.

However, we are acutely aware that many businesses that remain open are suffering from a loss of trade.  With this in mind, and with support from Sheffield City Region, we are able to introduce the Local Discretionary Business Hardship Scheme.

Business support packages are in place to allow for ongoing business costs, rather than lost income. If you’re suffering from lost income, see advice here.
We also have support for employment skills and access to jobs in Barnsley here.

To be eligible a business must meet the following criteria:

• Only businesses permitted to be open under government regulations can apply.
• The business must be located in Barnsley.
• Has some fixed property costs – identified by RV or Rent (or mortgage payments).
• Must have been trading on Monday 4 January 2021.
• Demonstrate a significant loss of trade because of current or previous national lockdowns.
• Primary activity must be provision of goods or services to the public on a face to face basis, e.g. people are required to enter business premises to purchase goods or services.

All self-employed in these areas may be considered but should have fixed property costs.

Exclusions

• A business that has been forced to close but still trades on a revised basis e.g. a restaurant offering a takeaway service.
• National/ Large Companies and Franchises (unless an independent business operating the franchise) e.g. large and national supermarkets.
• Businesses whose primary function is not to provide goods/services to members of the public within their premise e.g. manufacturing sales/show rooms.
• Businesses that can continue to trade because they do not depend on providing direct in-person services from premises and can operate their services effectively remotely (e.g. accountants, solicitors)
• Office and manufacturing businesses.

Types of businesses we expect to apply (For Reference Only and subject to loss of trade test)

• Independent food retailers – including mini-markets, corner shops, butchers, green grocers.
• Newsagents
• Market Stalls
• Vehicle repairs and MOT Services
• Independent launderettes and dry cleaners
• Professional training centres
• Takeaways
• Providers of medical services e.g. dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health.

Solely at the discretion of the Council, an application may also be considered from a business not included in the list above that has other fixed business costs excluding property-related costs.
These will be considered where severe financial hardship can be evidenced and where no other business support can be accessed. Applications will only be considered on a case by case basis with no right of appeal. 

The January 2021 update to this grant applies as below.
These payments, based on rateable value, will be made automatically if previously paid.

Additionally, an added eligibility to this grant is for:

• Home-based businesses and those very low property costs – £1,000 grant
• Driving instructors – £1,000 grant
To be eligible, you must evidence fixed business costs (May include license fees) and be able to demonstrate financial hardship.
Purchasing stock does not apply.
Business support packages are in place to allow for ongoing business costs, rather than lost income. If you’re suffering from lost income, see advice here.