Still time to claim Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant

Out of the 686  businesses eligible in the borough, 364 have put in an application, but the council is keen to get that figure as close to 100 per cent as possible.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant was announced by the Government in December. Wandsworth Council will distribute the grant to eligible hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses struggling due to the new variant.

Eligible businesses will get a one-off grant. The amount will depend on their rateable value.

The grant is available to businesses in the following sectors:

• Hospitality - Businesses whose main function is to provide a venue for the consumption and sale of food and drink (not takeaways)
• Leisure - Businesses that provide opportunities, experiences and facilities, in particular for culture, recreation, entertainment, celebratory events and days and nights out  (not gyms and sports businesses)
• Accommodation - Businesses whose main lodging provision is used for holiday, travel or other purposes

Since the beginning of the pandemic Wandsworth Council has distributed more than £214m in financial support to local business due to Covid. The council’s business spokesman Cllr Rhodri Morgan said: “It’s great news that over half of businesses have applied for the Omicron grant but we want to hear from the rest.

“If you think you could be eligible, apply via the online portal as soon as possible while the grant is still available. Let’s make sure Wandsworth’s fantastic business sector get all the help they need to thrive.”

Find out how to apply at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/business-grants