Workington MP Mark Jenkinson has welcomed news that more than 2,000 small businesses across Allerdale have received Government coronavirus support.
The Government has distributed more than £12 billion to local authorities for the small business grants scheme with more than £6 billion already paid out to half a million business properties.
In recognition of the extraordinary pressures facing small businesses during the coronavirus outbreak, the Government launched the Small Business Grants Scheme, backed by £12.3 billion.
The funding is provided to local authorities, who are then able to offer grants of up to £10,000 to small businesses, and up to £25,000 for eligible leisure, retail and hospitality businesses. Since the scheme’s launch in March, £6.1 billion has already been paid out to 491,725 business properties across England, including 2,698 by Allerdale Borough Council.
Allerdale Borough Council has been allocated over £42 million to support up to 3435 business properties identified as potentially eligible. 2698 of those properties have already received their grant. In total, more than £31 million has made its way to small businesses in the area.
The Government is providing a huge and unprecedented package of support to help small businesses during the coronavirus outbreak, including:
- Helping to pay people’s wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, including for more than a million people who are employed by the 140,000 businesses which applied for the scheme in the first day alone.
- Introducing the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to provide loans of up to £5 million, interest free for 12 months, to small businesses.
- Taking all retail, leisure and hospitality businesses out of business rates altogether for the next year.
- Helping small and medium-sized businesses with the cost of paying Statutory Sick Pay for employees off because of Covid-19.
Workington MP Mark Jenkinson said: “This is a hugely challenging time, especially for those who run small businesses like those in towns and villages throughout my constituency.
“The support that Government has provided, including over £42 million to be used by Allerdale Borough Council to award grants to small businesses operating within the Workington constituency, is a welcome lifeline.
“Importantly at present, the message remains to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives – these grants ensure that owners of small businesses are able to keep their businesses, protect jobs and pay their bills.”
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “I am very grateful to local authorities who have been working flat out to ensure these vital funds get to hard-pressed small business owners. Government is doing everything we can to support individual councils and help ensure that these grants reach local firms as soon as possible. I urge everyone to keep working at pace to get the money where it is needed quickly.”
