Criteria changed to allow firms eligible for self-employed support to access new local grants

The government has responded to pressure from campaigners and changed the criteria of a scheme providing grants to businesses with fixed property costs.

The move means that businesses in England eligible for the Self-employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) can now access the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund (LAGF). Under previous guidance, firms eligible for other coronavirus support schemes were not permitted to apply.

LADGF targets businesses in shared workspaces, market traders, bed and breakfasts and charity properties although councils are able to extend the grants to other similar companies.

Groups including the B&B Association criticised the original eligibility saying that many businesses prioritised for the new scheme but who have received only small amounts from SEISS or are eligible for it were excluded.

But today the government updated the guidance to say SEISS eligible businesses can now also access LADGF.

Total funding is £617m but with 343 councils in England, the amount of grants available is low compared to the amount of business likely to be eligible.

Some councils have already opened applications but with the previous guidance which said SEISS eligible businesses can't apply.

More follows.

If you'd like to tell us about your experiences with the Local Authority Discretionary Grant Scheme, email Dan.

The latest coronavirus support information

We are keeping you updated on the latest information on how to access the government's coronavirus business support here. You can also find advice and ask a question on Enterprise Nation's coronavirus business advice hub. Follow Enterprise Nation on Twitter too for updates.