Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is establishing a discretionary grant scheme to provide financial support to businesses in the hospitality sector.

The Hospitality Support Grant targets support to businesses which were most directly impacted by Government guidance on limiting social contact in the run up to Christmas.

Businesses with a business rates account which derive most of their income from serving food and/or drink on their premises will be able to apply to the scheme.

Grant awards of between £1,000 and £5,000 will be made related to the rateable value of the business premises.

The application process is expected to go live at the end of the first week in January. Full details of the scheme are available on the council’s website, www.somerset

westandtaunton.gov.uk/business-rates/covid-business-support-grants/