Cheshire East Council has launched several new grant schemes to support businesses through the pandemic restrictions.

The schemes are available to apply for through a single, simplified form which aims to assess Cheshire East businesses for several government grants on offer, thus maximising the council's reach to businesses.

There are three local restrictions support grants from government and a single additional support grant being provided on a discretionary basis from Cheshire East Council, in response to the second lockdown announcement made on 31 October. Find out more details and apply: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidbusinessrates.

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "These schemes are tailored for a wide range of businesses with diverse priorities, that have been heavily impacted by Covid-19. Hospitality and leisure facilities, impinged by local tier levels are eligible for the government's Local Restrictions Support Grants on offer, to help boost recovery.

"Business rates relief customers who were required to close on 5 November, including non-essential retail, grassroots sport and salon services are also encouraged to apply. In addition, the council has £7.6 million to allocate on a discretionary basis before March 2022. Local businesses are resilient, but they can only survive with our help by taking advantage and pursuing the funding options that are available."

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: "Two rounds of national lockdown enforcements have delivered frustration and despair to our businesses and the local communities, who have supported them throughout the pandemic. Moving forward from the constraints of Covid-19 begins with helping our businesses, who are the key to rebuilding Cheshire East's economy."

Councillor Sarah Pochin, Cheshire East Council business champion, said: "The repercussions of Covid-19 have been catastrophic for local businesses. The council's economic support and business rates teams have worked exceedingly hard to determine a single, streamlined application process which is easy to navigate. This means that any business that submits an online application will be considered for all aspects of financial aid on offer."

Cheshire East Council is required to make payments in line with government guidance and all applications submitted, with adequate supporting information, will be considered in order of receipt.