By Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporter

There is still £18m in grant funding available for eligible Southampton businesses to support them during the coronavirus crisis.

 

The government has granted Southampton City Council (SCC) over £40m to help city businesses.

SCC said so far 1,684 grants totalling £22.15m have been paid out.

But the rest is still up for grabs, with 1,200 eligible businesses yet to apply.

Cllr Stephen Barnes-Andrews, cabinet member for resources, said: “Since the Government Coronavirus business support funds launched ... our staff have been working tirelessly to get the grants out to businesses as soon as they can.”

He added: “We’re over half way there and more grants will be awarded in the coming week. Information about who can apply is on our website.”

Council leader Christopher Hammond said the authority remains in “close touch” with Southampton businesses.

He's encouraged residents to buy local when possible and added: “Local businesses play a vital part in Southampton’s economy. As well as paying out the Government’s business grants, we’re working closely with local partners to support the local economy during lock-down, plan for recovery as well offer advice and support.”

The business grant schemes were announced last month and the level of funding was subsequently increased in a statement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The government had urged local councils to make payments as quickly as possible and said the grant scheme will offer “a lifeline” to businesses who are struggling to survive due to the coronavirus shutdown.

• Southampton City Council says it's delivering the following grants to local businesses:

• • • Small Business Grant Funding
      The Government is providing additional funding to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBRR). This will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to help meet their ongoing business costs.
      Businesses can find out more and apply here
      
      
    • Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure
      Businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector, will receive a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property. Businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of under £15,000 will receive a grant of £10,000. Businesses with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £51,000 will receive a grant of £25,000.
      Businesses can find out more and apply here

Southampton businesses who want more information and to apply can visit www.southampton.gov.uk/coronavirus.