Council says its re-doubling efforts to support businesses and communities in and around Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth

With Tier 4 restrictions now in place, Warwick District Council says it is re-doubling efforts to support local businesses and the community.

Before Christmas, the council’s finance and business support teams were working round the clock to process payments to a wide range of qualifying businesses through its Discretionary and Local Restrictions Grant Schemes arising following the second national lockdown in November.

By December 24 the council had distributed £2.578 million to more than 1,700 businesses in the district.

Following the move into Tier 4 on December 31, a number of new grants are available to businesses, which have now been mandated to close.

In addition to these grants, the council also offered free parking in council owned car parks in December to help entice Christmas shoppers into the town centres.

Despite the cancellation of the traditional light switch-on events, the council’s events, media and Spa Centre teams collaborated to ‘Light up the District’ in a community wide virtual event across Leamington, Kenilworth, Warwick and Whitnash, viewed by thousands of people via social media and YouTube.

Behind the scenes the health and community protection team has been working together with the County Council to set up the Covid testing centres in Leamington and Whitnash, but to also provide advice to businesses on the new regulations rapidly put in place.

The team has also administered grant payments to a host of community organisations whose vital work has been impacted by the pandemic.

Cllr Andrew Day, Leader of Warwick District Council, said: "Working together, across the council and with our partners we’re acting positively to back our businesses and the community during these difficult times.

"I want to reassure everyone that our support to those in need will continue.

"I’m optimistic that by taking direct and positive action we can maintain the high level of resilience needed to build back better.

"I’d personally like to pay tribute to the remarkable teams of Warwick District Council officers who have given exemplary service to our community over the last year.”

Further details and eligibility criteria for the all business support grants is available on the Warwick District Council website.