Decision details

As part of its response to the disruption caused by COVID-19, Central Government has announced funding and outline guidance for the distribution of a Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund scheme (LADGF). A national fund of £617m has been distributed among local authorities.

Local authorities are responsible for delivering grants to eligible businesses and have discretion over the design and implementation of their local scheme. However, Government has stipulated some national criteria for the scheme, and stated that the fund is aimed at small and micro businesses that are ineligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

Applications for funding under Phase 1 of the DBC Discretionary Grant Fund were invited for a two-week period from 8 June 2020. In line with the original Portfolio Holder Decision published on 3 June, (http://www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/council-democracy/portfolio-holder-decisions/decisions-2020) a second phase of funding is now proposed to award the remaining funds.

To formally approve the adoption of Phase 2 of the Discretionary Grant Funding Scheme based on the principles and criteria detailed within the body of this report.

Approval is sought through PH Decision in order to expedite decision-making and ensure that payments can be made to eligible businesses as quickly as possible.

Authority to make decisions of this type has been delegated to Portfolio Holders by Cabinet decision CA/78/17.

The rationale behind the proposed approach for all discretionary elements of the scheme is covered in detail within the body of this report and that accompanying the Decision Sheet for Phase 1 of the Scheme.