Decision details

New guidelines have been issued by the Government for the next round of Additional Restrictions Grants (ARGs). This report seeks approval for the operation of these ARGs.

1. All existing businesses that have already proven eligibility for an ARG should be included in the new scheme, subject to supplying the further information requirements of the new scheme (see section 3);
2. There will be no appeals mechanism for the new ARG scheme (section 4);
3. Previously-approved businesses will be deemed to be eligible for the new scheme, and the application process for these businesses will be as straightforward as allowed by the BEIS guidance. Other businesses will have to apply for a grant via a new application process (section 5);
4. The Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Administration & Community Wealth Building, agrees the methodology of any residual distribution of old ARG funding, in order to quickly access the new funding (section 6);
5. The same value of grant is paid to a business whether or not it has previously received an ARG (paragraph 7.3);
6. The tiered approach be maintained, with the value of grants (which is still to be set, by the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Administration & Community Wealth Building, depending on funding and anticipated demand) being in proportion to the previous scheme, based on RV (paragraph 7.5);
7. To adopt the process set out in paragraph 7.8. In doing so, it should be noted that there is a risk of overspending, if the volume of eligible businesses proves to be significantly in excess of that predicted;
8. To note that if BEIS guidance revises the new scheme in any significant way that requires another member decision, then this will be the subject of another report.

To ensure grants are awarded as quickly as possible.

To defer grant payments until after Government funding is received/after all applications have been assessed. Rejected because this would delay payment of grants.