Further financial support is now available to all traders throughout the borough, as the council launches a new grant scheme to ensure businesses are kept afloat under the latest government restrictions.

Designed to help businesses unable to benefit from the Local Restrictions Support Grant, which is available to those paying business rates, the Additional Restrictions Grant Scheme is officially open for applications.

It aims to support traders forced to close their doors due to the second national lockdown, which began on November 5, and is set to end of December 2.

The new grant is funded by the government, and allows Allerdale Borough Council, which is administering it, some discretion on the eligibility criteria.

It is available to; B&Bs and self-catering holiday cottages which pay Council Tax; mobile or home-based personal care services, such as hairdressers and beauticians; market traders who do not sell essential goods; businesses that supply the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors; and any other business that is able to demonstrate a severe impact due to lockdown.

Charities and town and parish councils are also eligible to apply, where the application relates to trading activity at a specific premises.

Grants of between £1,334 and £3,000 are available for each four-week period of restrictions, depending on the fixed premises costs of the business or organisation.

Applications should be made via the online form at, which can be found at www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/coronavirus/coronavirus-business-grants-claims.

Applicants are urged to read the full policy document before applying. The form is built within the council’s myAllerdale online system which means that those already with a login do not need to register again.

It also means that users get email updates on their application, as well as access to a suite of other online forms and information.

Once received, the council aims to process applications as soon as possible.

Applicants will need all necessary documentation accessible before starting on their application, which could include details of their premises costs.

For more information, including the eligibility criteria and more, visit Allerdale Borough Council’s website at www.allerdale.gov.uk.

Alternatively, to speak directly to a member of the council’s customer service team, call 03031 231702.