BUSINESSES struggling during the second lockdown are being urged to apply for a raft of support grants being made available by Cheshire East Council.

The schemes are available to apply for through a single, simplified form which aims to assess businesses for several government grants on offer, including three local restrictions awards and a single additional support grant provided on a discretionary basis by the council.

The measures were made in response to the second lockdown announcement and Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "They are tailored for a wide range of businesses that have been heavily impacted by Covid-19.

"Hospitality and leisure facilities, impinged by local tier levels are eligible for the government's Local Restrictions Support Grants on offer, to help boost recovery.

"Business rates relief customers who were required to close on November 5, including non-essential retail, grassroots sport and salon services are also encouraged to apply.

"And the council has £7.6 million to allocate on a discretionary basis before March 2022.

"Local businesses are resilient, but they can only survive with our help by taking advantage and pursuing the funding options that are available."

Cllr Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for communities, said: "Two rounds of national lockdown enforcements have delivered frustration and despair to our businesses and the local communities, who have supported them throughout the pandemic.

"Moving forward from the constraints of Covid-19 begins with helping our businesses, who are the key to rebuilding Cheshire East's economy."

Councillor Sarah Pochin, Cheshire East Council business champion, said: "The council's economic support and business rates teams have worked exceedingly hard to determine a single, streamlined application process which is easy to navigate.

"Any business that submits an online application will be considered for all aspects of financial aid on offer."

Cheshire East Council is required to make payments in line with government guidance and all applications submitted, with adequate supporting information, will be considered in the order they are received.

To find out more details about the scheme see here.

And for other business support available, visit the council's covid-19 business pages.