BRADFORD Council have paid out more than £20million under the Small Business Grant Scheme today.

The one-off grants of £10,000 are aimed at helping eligible small businesses to meet on going business costs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Since the package of support for businesses was announced by the Government last week, the Council say they have been working hard to identify those who are eligible for the grants.

This money came from the Government to the Council today and the first cash was handed over.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We understand that the coronavirus pandemic has made this a very difficult time for our businesses and we are committed to doing all we can to support them through the coming weeks and months.

“We have been collecting information from eligible business and we’re happy to report that the money from the Government came in to the council today, and we have been able to make the first payments today.

"Over 2,000 businesses in the district will receive the £10,000 grant and this should start to appear in their accounts in next few days.

“Council staff have been working hard to make sure those who qualify get the support they need. We have written to businesses about the grant and Business Rates Relief and would urge any business that hasn’t responded to the letter, to get in contact with the Council’s Business Rates Team, so that they can arrange for the payments to be made.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, The Leader of Bradford Council, said: “It was really important that we were able to get this money out to local businesses as soon as we received it from the Government.

“It’s vital that we do everything we can to support businesses in our district to get through these unprecedented times. If there are businesses that are eligible for this money, we would urge them to contact us as soon as they can, so we can arrange payments for them.”

Businesses who have not contacted the council about the help and support available, can do so during office hours on 01274 437744.

Information about the help and advice available for businesses during the coronavirus outbreak can also be found at https://www.bradford.gov.uk/business/help-for-businesses/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-business/.