Omicron Hospitality, Leisure & Accommodation Grant Winter 2021/22

On 21 December 2021, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak announced the introduction of an additional £1billion nationally in financial support for the hospitality , leisure and accommodation sectors. Businesses in these sectors may be able to claim a one-off grant of up to £6,000.

The Grant has been developed in recognition that the rise of the Omicron COVID-19 variant has caused some businesses to struggle during the winter of 2021 into 2022. The award is therefore a one-off payment to support qualifying businesses through this winter.

The grant is only available to businesses who pay Business Rates (Non-Domestic Rates) operating in the following sectors:

Hospitality

  • A business whose main function is to provide a venue for the consumption and sale of food and drink, on their premises

Examples of businesses which are eligible include (but are not limited to):

  • Restaurants
  • Public Houses
  • Cafes
  • Wine bars

Leisure

  • A business that provides opportunities, experiences and facilities, in particular for culture, recreation, entertainment, celebratory events and days and nights out.

Examples of businesses which are eligible include (but are not limited to):

  • Cinemas
  • Museums and Art Gallery
  • Amusement and Theme Parks
  • Wedding venues
  • Nightclubs and Discos
  • Amusement Arcades
  • Soft play centres

Accommodation

  • A business whose main lodging provision is used for holiday, travel or other purposes.

Examples of businesses which are eligible, include (but are not limited to):

  • Hotels
  • Holiday apartments, cottages or bungalows or other holiday homes
  • Campsites and Caravan Parks
  • Guest houses
  • B&Bs

The grant amounts will be awarded per premise and will be based on the Rateable Value of the business premise.

Rateable value awards

  • £0 - £15,000 - award £2,667
  • £15,001 to £50,999 - award £4,000
  • £51,000 and above - award £6,000

This Grant has been created specifically for businesses in those 3 sectors, who have experienced a financial loss specifically due to the Omicron variant. The Government recognises that most businesses have experienced difficult trading conditions since the start of the pandemic – and previous Grants (Local Restrictions Support Grant – LRSG and Restart Grant) were introduced to provide support.

However, the Omicron Hospitality, Leisure and Accommodation Grant has been introduced to support businesses particularly affected by the Omicron variant, from the end of November 2021 onwards.

Not Eligible

Business in the Retail Sector or who provide one-to-one In-Person Services (such as Hairdressing or Health and Beauty Services) are therefore not eligible to receive this Grant.

Similarly, Sports Clubs, Sports Businesses (including Dance and Fitness Studios), Gyms and Leisure Centres are not eligible to receive this Grant.

Businesses who believe they may be eligible must apply to us, using the Application Form below. 

Please note: all applications for this Grant, must be received by us no later than midnight on March 11th 2022.

Apply for an Omicron Grant

Additional Restrictions Grant

Additionally, the Government has made money available for businesses adversely impacted by the Omicron variant and who do not pay Business Rates or who pay Business Rates and trade within the supply chain for those specifically affected sectors (above).

The exact eligibility rules for this discretionary award, is still to be confirmed and therefore businesses should not apply yet for an ARG award.

We understand that businesses in all sectors will be keen to understand further details and also apply. We will publish all updates, timescales for payment and eligibility rules on this page. Please check back here regularly over the coming days. If you have any specific questions relating to this Grant, please email  COVIDHospitalityandLeisureGrant@warrington.gov.uk

COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF)

COVID-19 has presented a significant and unprecedented challenge for businesses. Since the start of the pandemic Central and Local Government’s response to support businesses has been of a similarly unprecedented scale.

Warrington Borough Council have allocated over £56M of Business Support to over 4,500 local businesses.

Part of that support has been business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure properties, given the direct impact of COVID-19 and the Government’s interventions on businesses in these sectors.

Earlier this year, the Government announced a new COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) of £1.5 billion. The fund will be available to support those businesses affected by the pandemic but that are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates.

Warrington’s allocation within that total is £5.3M. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have released the guidance on this scheme and the specifics of which businesses will be eligible. We will be working to introduce further detail and an Application Form for businesses to apply, in early January 2022.

Restart Grants

The eligibility timescale for Restart Grants has now passed, Restart Grants were payable up to 31 July 2021. If further Business Support Grants are announced, this page will be updated.

Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) - Tax Year 2021-22

All Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) - Tax year 2021-22 monies have been allocated to eligible businesses.

The closing date for applications was 17 May 2021. Unfortunately, we're unable to receive any more applications at this time. If further Business Support Grants are announced, this page will be updated.

Advice and support

Self-employed and recently started businesses

We aim to provide support to the self-employed sector and businesses who have recently commenced trading. If you fall into either of these categories, please email Warrington&Co where our dedicated Business Support team will provide advice and further guidance.

Advice for employers and business owners

We're working with our partners to ensure that local businesses are given the support and advice they need at this time. For all the latest employer and business information and guidance, please visit GOV.UK. 

Supporting your employees

People who follow advice to stay at home, and who cannot work as a result, are eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP), even if they're not ill themselves. As an employer, you're expected to use your discretion and respect the medical need to self-isolate in making decisions about sick pay.

You can support staff who are not eligible to receive sick pay by letting them know that they can claim Universal Credit and or contributory Employment and Support Allowance.

For more information about coronavirus, sick pay and benefits, please visit the Universal Credit website. 

Statutory sick pay refunds

For businesses with fewer than 250 employees, the cost of providing 14 days of statutory sick pay per employee will be refunded in full by the government. In doing so, the government will provide two million businesses with up to £2billion to cover the costs of large-scale sick leave.

Businesses trading internationally

Advice and support is available for UK businesses that export or deliver goods and services abroad.

This includes:

  • Department for International Trade (DIT) support for UK business trading internationally
  • Financial support for business trading internationally

British businesses that may face disruption due to the spread of coronavirus can contact DIT's dedicated business support team.

Paying tax

A new HMRC helpline has been launched to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to COVID-19.

If you run a business or are self-employed and have tax concerns, you can call 0800 0159 559 for help and advice.

Useful links