ABTA is urging travel professionals to be persistent in applying for as much as £300 million in unspent council funding relating to pandemic restrictions.
The association is highlighting Government data on how much funding has been allocated to local authorities across England under the discretionary Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) and how much remains unspent by councils as of the end of August 2021.
Travel management companies in England are eligible to apply and many have been successful in securing funding during the pandemic.
Business owners should get in touch with their local council in a bid to secure funding for their company.
There are no restrictions on the number of grants a business can receive, with Government advice encouraging local authorities to focus support on “those sectors that remain closed or are severely impacted by the extended restrictions, even if those businesses have already been in receipt of Restart Grants”.
Luke Petherbridge, ABTA’s Director of Public Affairs said: “While the relaxation of a number of restrictions means that things are starting to look up for international travel, the majority of our members have been starved of cash over the last 18 months.
“So, although it is easier for people to travel, without financial support some companies will find it difficult to get through these next few months, which is why we are urging them to pursue the Additional Restrictions Grant funding.”
He said the level of funding varies from council to council and each local authority is ultimately free to make their own decisions.
“Members can see what is left in their local authority’s pot by checking the spreadsheet in ABTA’s MemberZone,” he said.
“If the funding is available, we would urge members to get in touch directly with their local authority and to be persistent – providing evidence on how your business has been restricted over recent months and highlighting the guidance from the Government that urges support for travel companies. We know from the stories of members that have been successful that perseverance is important.”
