A new round of Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG) has opened at North Herts District Council.

The grants are to help businesses that have been financially affected by the latest national lockdown that have not qualified for any other mandatory business grants.

The ARG grants will help to support eligible business ratepayers, with the addition of some non-ratepayers including market traders and homeworkers, which includes sectors such as driving instructors.

Councillor Ian Albert, NHDC's Executive Member for Finance said: "Supporting our local businesses during this pandemic is vital if our local economy is to survive in the future.

"The funding, designed to help cover losses during the latest lockdown, will provide a lifeline to our North Herts businesses.

"If you think your business is eligible, please apply."

This grant scheme will cover the period of National Restrictions from December 19, 2020 to February 15, 2021.

These grants are not loans and businesses will not be asked to pay back the money.

The closing date for businesses to apply for this period of funding is 28 February 2021.

To be eligible, businesses must trade within the North Herts district and can apply using one of four application forms available on the NHDC website.

The categories are:

Eligible market traders

Businesses that support the retail, hospitality and leisure sector

Businesses run from home

Other business types

For each application businesses will need to provide supporting documentation as part of the application process.

NHDC is acting as administrator of the grants scheme on behalf of Central Government.

Councillor Keith Hoskins, NHDC Executive Member for Enterprise and Cooperative Development said: "Local businesses really underpin the heart of our communities, providing jobs and income for local people and their families.

"If you are a business owner in North Herts and your business is eligible for assistance, please apply for support before the application deadline, February 28."