District councils issue almost £100 million in coronavirus funding to businesses

Leicestershire's district and borough councils have awarded just over £96 million to firms.

Since early April, officers at Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby and Wigston district and borough councils have been working to ensure the funding reaches eligible businesses.

In total, they have awarded just over £96 million to 8,000 businesses in the county.

They have been distributing two grants for businesses, one for those directly impacted from the hospitality, leisure and retail industry, and another for those that already receive business rate discounts.

On behalf of all the councils, Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “All the districts and boroughs quickly realised how vital this funding would be to keep some of these businesses afloat during these difficult times.

“We have all worked very hard to set up safe and secure systems to distribute the funding and I would like to thank everyone involved for the efforts they have made.

“The feedback we have had from local businesses has been very positive and at times very touching. We are talking about people’s livelihoods, with some businesses having taken years to build up from nothing and facing the very real prospect of being wiped out in weeks. These grants have bought vital time.

“However, all the councils are fully aware that there is a long way to go. We are all fully committed to continue working with businesses, partners, communities and each other to ensure we offer the support needed to get us all through this crisis."