VisitBritain/VisitEngland – latest updates for businesses affected by COVID-19

VisitEngland has released its latest update following the national lockdown in England and launch of new lockdown grants to support businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

It covers the new laws governing activity into February, including hospitality venues, shops, enetertainment venues, and travel, as well as weddings, civil partnerships, religious services and funerals.

It also reinforces the rules on hotels and other accommodation, which must stay closed other than in specific circumstances, such as where these act as someone’s main residence, where the person cannot return home, for providing accommodation or support to the homeless, or where it is essential to stay there for work purposes.

The grants are available for businesses forced to close, on a sliding scale:

• £4,000 for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under
• £6,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
• £9,000 for businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000

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