Cafe workers wearing masks

£6,000 one-off grants for hospitality, accommodation and leisure sectors impacted by rise of Omicron

Further government grants to support businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sectors were announced by the government just before Christmas last year.  

Now the Isle of Wight Council is giving more details of how the scheme will be operated on the Island.  

One-off grants
One-off grants of up to £6,000 will be paid to businesses that were operating from business-rated premises in these sectors on 30 December 2021.

The actual amount paid depends on the rateable value of the business premises.  

The Isle of Wight has been allocated £5.4m, which the government has targeted at the accommodation, hospitality and leisure sectors because of the rise of the omicron variant and its impact over recent weeks.

Apply by 18th February
Businesses should apply online for the grant at the Isle of Wight Council’s website, which has more information and guidance, including information on eligibility. 

All applications for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant must be with the Isle of Wight Council by midnight by 18th February 2022.  

Additional Restrictions Grant
A further, smaller fund called the Additional Restrictions Grant is soon to be announced for affected businesses that are not eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, including those that do not operate from business rated premises.

Jones-Evans: Check the guidance and apply as soon as possible
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans said,

“During the latter part of 2021 the immediate impact of the Omicron variant was felt most keenly by hospitality and leisure, with work from home guidance and more people self isolating.

“Keeping the doors open under these conditions was challenging, especially in what is the busiest time of year and helps businesses survive through the winter.

“The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is most welcome to go someway to cover the  impact the new variant has caused to this sector.

“I urge everyone one who thinks they may be eligible to check the guidance and apply as soon as possible.

“The Government have given strict criteria and time frame to administer the grants.

“As with previous grants the council will process applications expediently.”


News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed

Image: pavel-danilyuk under CC BY 2.0