BCP Council will have £8.2million to hand out in grants to businesses hit by the second lockdown.

The authority intends to open the application process today, Monday, November, 16, and will provide further details on how to apply.

Eligible businesses will receive a one-off grant for the lockdown, which began on November 5 and is due to end on December 2.

Properties with a rateable value of £15,000 or under will attract a grant of £1,334 per four weeks of closure.

For rateable values of more than £15,000 and below £51,000, the grant is for £2,000 per four weeks, and for £51,000 and over the figure is £3,000 per four weeks.

Cllr Philip Broadhead, the council’s deputy leader, said: “Our officers are working hard to set up the application process and we will endeavour to launch this support scheme as soon as possible.

“We remain determined to do everything we can to help our diverse business community. Over the coming weeks we will continue to look carefully at what we can do to support all sectors, including those key areas which play a critical role in the success of our economy.’’

The council will also receive £7.9m to issue Additional Restrictions Grants up until March 31, 2022. The details are being considered.

Details of the initial grants are at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/covid19businesssupport