Torbay Council are asking businesses to get ready to apply for cash grants, with £7 million available for Torbay. There are two new grants, funded by the government and administered by the council. Rate paying businesses required by law to close during national or local restrictions can apply for up to £3,000 for every 28 days they are closed. Torbay Council will also offer discretionary grants for other businesses, to help address financial hardships caused by the restrictions.

Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, Darren Cowell, said: “We know businesses across Torbay are concerned about the impact of restrictions on their cashflow so we are working to improve the application process for these grants. We’ve asked our software supplier to make it easier both for businesses to apply and for us to administer the grants. We’re urging businesses to take advantage of all the support that’s available.”

Torbay Council is currently working with Civica to test the updated application process, which is expected to open by 20 November. Correctly completed applications will help the council release funds faster.

There is a range of other advice and support available for businesses on the Torbay Council website, including information about how to keep a COVID-secure workplace, what to do if there is an outbreak and how to support employees if they need to self-isolate. Businesses can also use the gov.uk business support finder to see what other economic support is available.

Up to the end of September, Torbay Council had distributed a total of £38,848,000 in grants from national government funds to local businesses.

Torbay Council is working with TDA to develop an action plan for Torbay’s economic recovery, including plans for when high streets can fully reopen.