Applications to the Government’s Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grants scheme are now open to City of Wolverhampton businesses.

The scheme provides additional economic support to hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses most impacted by the Omicron Covid-19 variant.

Eligible businesses must submit a new application by 28 February, 2022, deadline regardless of previous grants they have applied for.

They will receive a one-off grant payment based on the rateable value of their business on 30 December, 2021. Grants range from £2,667 to £6,000.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The Omicron variant could not have hit hospitality and leisure businesses at a worse time and they need as much additional support as they can get.

“I would urge the city’s businesses to check if they are eligible for this latest Government grant by visiting the website and applying before the deadline on 28 February.

“All grant payments remain a priority and we have support on hand to help businesses with the online application process.

“Working within Government guidelines, we will ensure these new grants get allocated swiftly.”

Further guidance on eligibility and how to apply is available at Government Business Grants.

If you need help with your grant application or have a general query, you can get in touch with the Business Grants team by emailing business.grants@wolverhampton.gov.uk or calling the business support phone line on 01902 290242 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Thursday or from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.

The closing date for applications is 28 February, 2022.