North Somerset Council. - Credit: Google Street View Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses in North Somerset can access vital support through the latest lockdown with a one-off grant worth up to £9,000. Council leaders welcomed news of the 'much-needed funds' which will help business which have been forced to close due to the pandemic. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a third national lockdown on Monday to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed, due to a rising number of coronavirus cases. The lockdown came in to force in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) morning, meaning retail, leisure and hospitality businesses must close until at least mid-February.