Wiltshire businesses struck by Covid could be in line for a new round of compensation of up to £6,000.

Wiltshire Council has already paid out more than £177 million in Covid compensation in the county – although the money came from the government, not the council.

The council is now inviting applications for the additional restrictions grant (ARG), also known as the Omicron discretionary grant (ODG) scheme, to help businesses impacted by the Omicron wave from December 2021.

A council spokesman said: “We have already contacted more than 1,400 eligible businesses that have previously received a COVID business grant to offer them an ODG payment, but applications are now being accepted from businesses that have not been contacted or that have not previously received funding.”

The scheme is open to both rate-paying and non-rate-paying businesses which are not eligible for an Omicron hospitality and leisure grant (OHLG).

The spokesman added: “It is targeted at businesses in sectors most impacted by the changes in consumer expenditure in the run-up to Christmas and new year – particularly in sectors such as hospitality, personal care, accommodation, leisure, gyms, sports and travel agencies.

“Businesses will need to demonstrate that Omicron had a severe impact on their business, by providing evidence of cancellation, postponement, changed or reduced orders or refunds, or bank statements.”

To apply, businesses should complete the application form on the council’s website. All applicants will be asked to submit their most recent business tax return.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of the council and cabinet member for economic development, said: “This grant could be worth up to £6,000, and is targeted at Wiltshire businesses that were most affected by the Omicron variant and need financial support.

“Businesses will need to show that their operation was severely impacted by Omicron and will need to apply on our website, with evidence that their business was affected by Omicron.

“We’ve paid out more than £177 million in business grants during the pandemic and we’ll continue to do all we can to support businesses here in Wiltshire through this difficult time.”

The ODG is worth £2,500 for all non-rate paying businesses; while for rate-paying businesses, those with a rateable value of £15,000 or under will receive £2,667; businesses with a rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 will receive £4,000; and businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or over will receive £6,000.

To find out more, including eligibility criteria, and to apply, businesses should go to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/business-advice-support-covid19-grants