1. That the Trafford Discretionary (Additional Restrictions) Grant Fund and proposed criteria for its operation as detailed in the report be approved.

2. That it be agreed to classify this decision as urgent and exempt from call-in to enable the Council implement emergency measures during the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis.

3. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Investment and the Corporate Director of Finance and Systems, to make amendments to the Trafford Discretionary (Additional Restrictions) Fund criteria as necessary.

4. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Systems, to administer the grants.

To enable the Council to provide effective support to Trafford based small businesses that are adversely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and are ineligible for support under existing grant schemes.

Not to operate the grant scheme; but this would not address businesses suffering hardship and the money received for this scheme needs to be utilised or returned to Government. The Council could operate a scheme with broader eligibility criteria but it is important to ensure that the Fund operates within the funding limit available.