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 an Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).

Local authorities are responsible for delivering grants to businesses and have discretion over the design and implementation of their local scheme. Funding has been distributed among local authorities, following the November lockdown, at the rate of £20 per head of population. Dacorum has received funding of £3.1m.

To formally approve the adoption of the policy based on the principles and criteria detailed within the body of this report to implement an ARG scheme across Dacorum for the allocation of £3.1m of Government funding.

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 the report.