£26m handed out so far to help Blackpool businesses survive lockdown

The council received £59m at the beginning of April from the government to assist small operators as part of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).

Others who are eligible and have applied for help can expect to receive their grants in the next few days with around 4,500 businesses in total set to get help.

 Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn said: “Since the funding package was announced, the council’s business support teams has been working incredibly hard to assist business owners in both understanding and getting access to the support they require during this difficult time.

   “I would like to assure business owners we are working as fast as we can to pay the grants into bank accounts quickly whilst at the same time checking for potentially fraudulent applications.

  “We cannot unfortunately acknowledge receipt of applications but, once authorised, the grant will normally be paid within two to three working days.

  “I would urge eligible ratepayers to visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/coronavirus and follow the link in the business support section to submit their bank details which, once checked in accordance with Government guidelines, will allow payment straight into their account.”

Under the Small Business Grants Fund, a one-off grant of £10,000 to businesses eligible for small business rate relief is available. Businesses that receive relief for being in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are eligible for a payment of either £10,000 or £25,000, based on their rateable value.

 Many of those receiving the grants are hoteliers and others in the tourism industry.

Claire Smith, president of StayBlackpool, said: "There are a lot of people with serious financial problems at the moment because of the current situation, so £10,000 will be a huge help."

Wyre Council received £32m and Fylde £21m from the government which is also being handed out.

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