Travel agents have called for a standardised application process for Additional Restrictions Grants (ARGs) as they try to access the latest funding.
The government added £102 million to the ARG pot as part of its £1 billion support package in December to support businesses impacted by the Omicron variant of Covid. Abta warned at the time that the additional ARG funding “will not go far enough”.
More than a month on, agents report varying approaches from local councils, which have until March 31 to hand out funds. Some have contacted retailers proactively while others are yet to open up applications.
Mixed responses have prompted calls for standardised forms nationwide.
Spear Travels received funding “overnight” for two of its 12 shops after a letter by chairman Peter Cookson to local MP, chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Hambleton District Council approved grants of £4,000 and £2,667 soon after Cookson wrote to Sunak to question why the council was “discriminating” against agents against government advice.
The agency still cannot apply for funds for eight branches because forms are not available. A further two have applications pending.
“The councils have the money, so what’s the hold up?” asked Cookson, who called for a “simple grant application process” nationwide.
Strawberry Holidays UK director Kate Holroyd, turned down for the ARG last summer despite a high-profile social media protest, has received an email and phone call from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council inviting her to apply.
“I nearly fell off my chair,” she said, but noted the form was more complex than before. “They’re asking me for everything bar my shoe size! Previously I’ve only had to give costs and revenue. They want supporting evidence such as bank statements.”
She added: “Forms should be standardised in the criteria and application process. I’m in five-figure debt and working 80-hour weeks. My business still has a long road to recovery.”
Best Destinations director Jon Haworth was not hopeful of receiving more than the £390 he got previously. “I expect to get a similar amount,” he said.
Greenstar Travel owner Martyn Fisher has written to Elmbridge Borough Council to ask if it will pay out to agents. The council’s website still says it is “awaiting details” of funding.
Fisher, who received £2,700 last July and backed calls for a uniform approach, said: “We’re the forgotten branches in retail.”
The Travel Network Group has encouraged more agents to apply but agreed many councils had yet to allow applications.
A template email used by members has prompted some councils to contact agents but grant success rates are unlikely to be known until at least mid-February, said a spokeswoman.
Abta has also continued to urge agents to apply after writing to all councils in England asking them to make grants available to travel businesses.