Millions paid out to businesses in support grants – and more urged to apply

Published: 18 February 2021

More than £34.3 million has so far been paid out by the Council to businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Council opened applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme earlier this week.

It brings to 11 the number of business support grant schemes that have been administered by the City Council on behalf of the Government since the start of the pandemic.

All but three of those are still open to applications, and businesses are being urged to check if they are eligible for support, and to apply.

Cllr Ollie Pearson, Lead Councillor for City Centre and Corporate Services, said the Council has been fully committed to supporting businesses through the most challenging times.

He said: “The fact that we have been able to pay out government funds of more than £34 million in support grants to local businesses who are struggling through this ongoing crisis is down to the hard work of our staff at the Council, and I am very proud of their efforts.

“They’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that the right systems are in place so that grants can be paid out quickly and accurately.

“I would urge all businesses affected by the pandemic to visit our website, check the criteria and apply if they are eligible. These grants could be a real lifesaver, and we want to ensure that as many businesses as possible can survive this crisis and be at the forefront of the recovery that we all long for.”

The new figures reveal that up to the end of last week, the total number of business support grants made by the Council is 4,600, with a total value of £34,327,647.

The Council had received 507 applications for the LRSG Open scheme, of which:

• 234  applications have been assessed and payments sent totalling £288,763
• 69 applications are on hold awaiting further information
• 204 applications are waiting to be assessed

For the LRSG Open scheme, 49% of the budget has been spent. For the LRSG Closed scheme, 47% of the budget has been spent.

Businesses are able to check eligibility, find out more information on the criteria and how to apply on the City Council’s Covid-19 Business Support Grants Overview page