Hospitality and leisure businesses in Richmond can now apply for a new Government grant.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant was announced by the Government in December and provides support to hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses struggling due to the new variant.

Eligible businesses will get a one-off grant and the amount they get 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 provides opportunities, experiences and facilities, in particular for culture, recreation, entertainment, celebratory events and days and nights out
• Accommodation - Businesses whose main lodging provision is used for holiday, travel or other purposes

The Council's Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, Cllr Robin Brown, said: "Since the beginning of the pandemic Richmond Council has distributed more than £80m in financial support to local business.

"These new grants will be a vital lifeline for those businesses who have been significantly impacted by the new measures put in place over the Christmas period.

"If you think you may be eligible for the new Omicron grant, you must apply now using the on-line portal as we are unable to award without an application.

"The hospitality sector has been hit hard by the pandemic, and we are keen to ensure Richmond upon Thames businesses get all the help they can to stay open and thrive."

Apply for the grant at www.richmond.gov.uk/services/business/services_for_business/business_rates/business_grants