We are urging businesses who will struggle under tier 2 local restrictions to apply for the COVID grants available. Grants are available for businesses that are legally required to stay closed. Other businesses may still be eligible for discretionary grants to address hardships caused by tier 2 restrictions.

Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “We have written to the Prime Minister to express our concern that local businesses need more support. Yesterday, the PM announced an additional £1,000 grant for ‘wet pubs’, which are pubs that predominately serve alcohol rather than food. Hospitality is far more than that though, so I remain deeply concerned about the impact of the restrictions on our hospitality sector. Everyone has worked so hard to keep going through the lockdowns and many are still limited in what they can offer at what is normally a busy time of year.”

Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said: “We are still waiting for full details of the new grant for wet pubs, and will let publicans know when they can apply. On the existing grants have received around 1,400 applications so far. We’ve started issuing the grants, and have brought an additional five people onto the team to help process claims faster. However, we’re urging businesses to get their applications in so we can issue the grants they are entitled to claim.”

Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing, said: “We’re putting measures in place so we can reopen our local economy safely, such as extending our ‘pay for an hour, stay for the day’ parking scheme to run from 3 to 24 December. The grants help top up income for the many local businesses who will not see the same levels of trade as last Christmas.”

Grants can be applied for on business support pages, where businesses can also get a range of advice, support and information. Businesses can also check what other support they may be eligible for on GOV.UK.

We have worked with TDA to develop and agree an action plan for Torbay’s economic recovery, including plans for when high streets can fully reopen.

• Grant applications
• Advice and support for businesses
• Pay for an hour, stay for the day’ scheme