Businesses in the Staffordshire Moorlands that have been forced to close during the second lockdown can now apply to the district council for financial help.

Businesses that haven't yet been able to re-open since the first lockdown may also be eligible.

The Government has provided funding to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for grants to support businesses affected by the restrictions. This funding is called the Local Restrictions Support Grant Scheme.

The scheme is now live, and the council is inviting applications from eligible businesses.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Council Leader and Cabinet member for Regeneration and Finance, said: "This has been a year like no other and businesses have been at the forefront of adapting to these changing circumstances which have had such an impact on all our lives.

"Many businesses have had to close again, and some haven't been able to open since the first lockdown in March, so this financial support is much needed.

"I'm pleased that we're now in a position to open up applications and get these funds paid out and I would urge everyone who is eligible to apply."

The mandatory grants are for businesses who:

• Are liable for Business Rates, AND

• Are legally required to close during the second national lockdown from 5 November, AND/OR

• Are in sectors that have not been authorised to open since the first lockdown period such as nightclubs

The application form is available via the Business Financial Support page on the council's website here.

Businesses that don't meet the criteria for the current grants but who have seen their trade impacted as a result of the national lockdown and/or as a result of being in the 'High' Tier 2 category may be eligible for a discretionary grant, and this stage of the grants scheme will open at a later date.

The council says it is working through the guidance relating to this aspect of the grants in order to enable businesses to apply as soon as possible.

Councillor Ralphs added: "We understand how important these grants are and our teams are working hard to make sure we have the right processes in place to ensure businesses across the District can apply quickly and easily. This is as much of a priority for us as it is for you.

"The mandatory element of the scheme is now open and we're working through the complex guidance regarding the discretionary applications as quickly as we can so we can open up applications for this as soon as possible."