Christmas is coming and a great gift idea is now available via the Isle of Wight Giftcard. You can purchase the Giftcard online at https://
Was pleased to vote in support of Ryde Town Council leasing the theatre with a view to purchasing the Vectis Hall.
With our dedicated Historic England officer now in post it's important for us to have application ready projects to put forward for future funding bids and I know of no other more worthy historic Ryde decaying landmarks deserving this opportunity for future refurbishment.
There is an Isle of Wight care and support helpline for anyone that needs support in accessing medication delivery, online shopping delivery services or just signposting partner agencies for support with issues arising from isolation including welfare, finance, mental health, childcare issues, crisis advice and support or other caring responsibilities call 01983 823600 or email contact.centre@iow.gov.
The IW Council has also committed extra money to the 'Help Through Crisis' scheme that is already operating to help Islanders struggling to afford food and essentials during the pandemic.
Sitting here whilst writing during this second lockdown my thoughts are also with all our struggling Island businesses as its my portfolios Regeneration Team that has been tasked, once again, with processing and distributing the Business Grants and would like to take this opportunity to signpost several Government Grants that are available.
Firstly I would like to make you aware of two new business grants for businesses that were impacted by the national lockdown that started in November. So if your a business that has not already applied details of the grant schemes and links to further guidance are set out below.
Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG)
The LRSG is a property related grant for businesses required to close by Government. This includes; non-essential retail, leisure, hospitality, sports clubs and personal care such as hairdressing and beauty.
The grants payable are mandatory and based on the business rates of the property as follows:
· Properties with a rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under will receive £1,334 for the 4 week lockdown
· Properties with a rateable value above £15,000 but below £51,000 will receive £2,000 for the 4 week lockdown.
· Properties with a rateable value of exactly £51,000 or over will receive £3,000 for the 4 week lockdown.
If your business has had to close, please apply for the LRSG from our business rates web page.
You will need your contact details, property business rates reference number and bank account details to complete the form.
Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)
The Government has provided funds to each local authority for use as a discretionary grant fund.
This grant will help businesses impacted by the restrictions imposed by the national lockdown. It includes businesses that do not have to close but are severely affected. This could include businesses which supply retail, leisure, hospitality businesses.
Read the ARG guidance before applying for the ARG grant on the same business rate website.
There are also further grants available via the Isle of Wight Rural SME fund, it has around £100,000 remaining available to applicants until March 2021. It is a two staged approach with a full application to follow an approved expression of interest. The next deadline for full applications is 12th January 2021 so applicants are urged to register their interest as soon as possible.
Fund details:
- Grants are available between £2,500 and £50,000 for capital expenditure
- Grants must be matched with private funds (at least 50% of total costs)
- All projects need to create and / or safeguard jobs
- Those projects creating a higher number of jobs will be prioritised.
- Projects must also demonstrate how they will benefit the Isle of Wight’s rural economy.
Successful business applicants will need to complete their projects and claim the final instalment of their allocated grant as soon as possible but not later than 30th September 2021 and create the agreed jobs, by 31st December 2022.
If you believe you have the potential to grow your business or safeguard jobs, but require some extra funding to do so, you may be able to benefit from the fund – for more information and an Expression of Interest Form please email emma.bloomfield@
If you have difficulty accessing any of the links I've provided you can call me on 07765118766 or email at wayne.whittle@iow.gov.uk
Please try to take the time to keep in contact with your neighbours over the holidays.
Lastly I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful healthy New Year.
Best regards
