A bed and breakfast owner has welcomed news businesses like hers will now be able to claim Government business support.

On May 2 the Government announced its ‘top up to local business grants funds scheme’, aimed at giving grants of up to £25,000 to businesses that missed out on other support.

Although many businesses had already benefited from the Government’s Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, these were only available for those paying business rates.

The top up grants are available to businesses that pay council tax instead, but Government guidance initially said those who claimed the self-employed income support during the coronavirus pandemic would not be eligible.

Tracy Wilson, who runs Low Plain Farm bed and breakfast, in Brigsteer, was initially dismayed because it meant she would miss out.

Following a campaign involving Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron and Cumbria Tourism, the guidance has now been changed so people can get the business support grants if they pay council tax and also claim the self-employment support.

“I got an email from the Government on Saturday and I couldn’t believe it,” Tracy said.

“It’s fantastic news because now people can get at least a little something.”

To claim the support businesses must have under 50 employees and be able to demonstrate they have seen a significant drop of income due to coronavirus restrictions.

The maximum grant will be £25,000 with £10,000 grants also available.

The Government said it will be up to local authorities’ discretion to make payments under £10,000 based on individual circumstances.

Tracy said she was now focused on making sure bed and breakfasts were able to receive grants of £10,000 - in line with those given to rate paying businesses as part of the initial rescue package.

She said the money would be necessary to support businesses like hers which were not going to be able to open until mid-July.

Even then, she said, it was unclear what guidelines they would have to follow.

“We won’t trade until at least mid-July and we might not get any bookings until August,” she said.

“That’s a long time and a lot of lost income.”

Mr Farron said: “This is a big win for our campaign to get support to many small businesses who have been falling through the cracks.

“We’ve been banging the drum for small businesses that pay council tax, whether that be small B&Bs or businesses that operate in shared shares, to be given the financial support they need to survive this crisis.

“I want to say a massive thank you to Cumbria Tourism and South Lakeland District Council who we’ve been working with closely to lobby the Government on this, and to all the small businesses who have been in touch with their story which has helped us build our case.”