Fixed Costs Support Scheme to provide additional support for businesses

09 February 2021

Today (9 February 2021) the Government of Jersey has launched the Fixed Costs Support Scheme (FCSS) to provide additional financial support for businesses.

Island businesses can apply to the Scheme if they have been impacted by recent Government measures which have forced them to close as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme is backdated to 01 January 2021 and will run until 30 April 2021.

Applicants need to show they have suffered a 20% fall in turnover when compared with a comparable month in 2019.

The maximum amount of monthly support a business can claim is set at four levels, determined by the business rates they paid on their business premises in 2020. Businesses and self-employed individuals that do not pay business rates are also eligible.

Businesses that have been able to open can also receive some assistance from this new scheme if they were affected by restrictions such as two-metre physical distancing or restricted trading hours.

Subsidy level	Criteria for entry	Maximum amount claimable per month (up to 100% of fixed costs) when the business is closed	Maximum amount claimable per month (up to 50% of fixed costs) when the business is trading but is still restricted (NB: exlusions apply)
Level 1	Mobile businesses (reliant on events/close contact services/taxis/driving instructor)	£1,500	£1,500
Level 2	Business that paid rates of up to £4,999 in 2020 (including any businesses that sub-let any premises)	£3,000	£1,500
Level 3	Business that paid rates between £5,000 and £9,999 in 2020	£5,000	£2,500
Level 4	Business that paid rates above £10,000 in 2020	£10,000	£5,000

Deputy Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, said: "I recognise that this has been an exceptionally difficult winter for our Island's businesses. The Fixed Costs Support Scheme will add an additional £9.5 million to the support already available to businesses through the Co-funded Payroll Scheme, Business Disruption Loan Guarantee Scheme, Visitor Accommodation Support Scheme, and Visitor Attractions and Events Scheme.

"We are committed to continue protecting businesses, lives and livelihoods in Jersey throughout the whole duration of the pandemic. I hope that this additional funding provides the necessary support to enable those businesses most impacted by public health measures to weather the winter period and to move ahead with more confidence into 2021."

Full guidance on the details of the scheme and how to apply are available via the Government of Jersey website.