Decision details

Purpose of Report: To update Executive on current pandemic matters, and to agree plans and delegations for delivering support to businesses including grant schemes and business rates relief.

The Executive will be asked to:
• Note any updates.
• Approve plans and any associated delegations in order to deliver financial
support to businesses on a timely and effective basis.

It has not been possible to give 28 clear days’ notice of the intention to make this decision because an urgent report is needed to understand the impacts of the new Coronavirus strain, the council’s response and to deliver financial support to businesses as soon as possible.

Resolved:  (i)      That the coronavirus update contained in paragraphs 5 to 12 of the report be noted.

                   (ii)      That the Chief Operating Officer be recommended to:

a)   approve the delegation for business support schemes set out in paragraph 21 for the Additional Restrictions Grant and Covid Additional Relief Fund; and

b)   approve the distribution of the Hospitality & Leisure Grant in accordance with the Government’s prescribed scheme.

Reason:     To provide urgent financial support to the city’s businesses to help them through the ongoing pandemic specifically in relation to the recent Omicron variant.  

(iii)     That it be noted that the Arts Council England are responsible for the distribution of the Cultural Recovery Fund on application.