REDDITCH has £7million worth of coronavirus support to give away to local businesses – but applications for the cash have dried up.
The money is part of a package of more than £14million given to the borough as part of the government’s small business grants scheme.
The only problem is only the authority’s only been able to find a home for £7million worth of it.
“We are doing everything we can to assist with the distribution of this money and we’re urging business to come forward and apply,” said Councillor Matt Dormer, the Leader of Redditch Borough Council.
The funding offers grants of up to £10,000 to small businesses, and up to £25,000 for eligible leisure, retail and hospitality businesses.
“We’re encouraging companies to come forward and see if they can claim this money,” said Coun Dormer.
“If you are, all well and good. We’ve had some who aren’t, and I’m sorry about that, but at least they applied and even if firms have the wrong thing written down on their rates bill, they could still be able to access the money.”
His call was echoed by local MP Rachel Maclean, who said: “I’m urging every business who may be eligible to contact the Borough Council as soon as possible. There is money sat there waiting for you.”
So far Redditch has been able to hand out £7,145,000 of the £14,518,000 it has received from central government, helping 608 local businesses.
By comparison, Stratford District Council, which is much more reliant on the retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism sector and consequently received more money than Redditch, has handed out £18.2million to 1,467 businesses to date – and it could take Stratford up to two years to recover from the impact of coronavirus.
Firms can apply for the help available by visiting here.
