While we look to a relaxing of lockdown measures, Braintree District Council continues to process the business support grants and be on hand to offer support and advice, in addition to its own support programmes and grants from Essex County Council. 

Both BDC and ECC are committed to supporting business recovery and ECC has promised £2million to support Essex businesses.

The Additional Restrictions Grant has reopened and covers impact of the restrictions from December 3 to March 8. This discretionary grant scheme seeks to help businesses who have had their trade severely affected by Covid-19 restrictions, regardless of whether they pay business rates or not. The eligibility criteria have been adapted and more information can be found on the website, details below.

The Government has also confirmed the guidance and funding for businesses eligible for the next Local Restrictions Support Grant (closed), for business rate payers forced to close due to the restrictions imposed by the national lockdown.
Braintree District Council will start the process of making these payments, which cover a 44-day period from February 16 to March 31, from the middle of this week (week beginning March 1). 

BDC will automatically process your grant payments where eligible and as long as you’ve applied previously, you will not need to re-apply. The council is waiting for an update from central Government with regard to processing grants, including the restart grants, after March 31 and will update as soon as it has the information.

Over the last year, Braintree District Council has processed nearly £40million of Government support grants and is extremely grateful for the patience and understanding as these applications are processed as swiftly and diligently as possible. For further advice and help, please:

1. Visit facebook.com/groups/braintreedistrictbusinesses
2. Sign up to our business bulletins at braintree.gov.uk/tellmemore
3. Visit our website braintree.gov.uk/helpforbusinesses.  

Councillor Tom Cunningham
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, Braintree District Council