A LOCAL MP has hit out at council delays in issuing desperately-needed grants to businesses struggling due to the Coronavirus crisis.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore says the Government has given over £135 million to Bradford Council, to help 11,662 businesses across the district with support grants – but that so far, only 32 per cent of the funds have been distributed.

This compares to 63 per cent in neighbouring Craven and 61 per cent in Leeds.

Mr Moore said: “I am deeply frustrated by these figures.

“I have been in regular contact with the senior leadership team at Bradford Council, who have assured me they are making good progress with issuing the grants. But when this is compared to other authorities, it simply isn’t the case. Alarm bells starting ringing when business owners contacted me stating that they haven’t received an update, let alone payment, from Bradford Council since they submitted their grant applications over a month ago.

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“The Government has been working around the clock to make sure businesses are as best protected as possible financially from this ongoing pandemic. Bradford must now get this money to the small and medium-size businesses that need it.”

A report going to the Council’s Executive next month says so far 4,600 business have received grants through the scheme. It says: “Every eligible business will receive funding as soon as is possible however it may not be the case that all the £136m is allocated and some businesses may be ineligible.

“£52m has been paid out to 4,600 businesses to date, with more to be paid in the next few weeks. Payments will be made as soon after receiving bank details and proof of eligibility as possible. Business support grants will not have an impact on Council finances, as they are received from government.”

Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said officers were “working flat out” to get the grants to businesses as quickly as possible.

She added: “We recognise how distressing the Covid-19 situation is for our businesses community and we want to do everything we can to support them.

“We are 11th out of 365 local authorities across the country for the number of grants we have given out to businesses, but we recognise that if you are a business waiting for a payment this is clearly not good enough.

“Officers are working flat out to get these grants to businesses as quickly as possible, working through the weekend and through bank holidays. This intensive work rate will not cease until every eligible business has received what they are due.

“We need to be aware that the Government had not accurately worked out how many businesses would qualify when it sent the money out. It was still drafting the rules after we received it.”