As of today (April 1, 2020) Government grants and other financial support, administered by Allerdale Borough Council, have been awarded to 338 businesses in the borough totalling £3.9m.

Some businesses need to apply for the support and can do so via the Council's website: https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/coronavirus/coronavirus-business-grants-claims/. So far 1,193 applications have been made.

There are two grants available both of which are being administered by Allerdale Borough Council.

The first provides all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief with a grant of £10,000. The maximum rateable value limit is £15,000.

The second scheme provides support for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. These are:

• £10,000 for businesses with property with a rateable value of up to £15,000 (which do not receive small business rate relief or rural rate relief)
• £25,000 for businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,001 and £50,999.
   

Jim Lister, Executive member for finance and legal, said

 "We know that many businesses are going through a tough time at the moment so I commend the work of Allerdale's officers in getting these applications dealt with so quickly. If you've already submitted your application then we will process it as soon as possible, our team is working extremely hard."

Mark Jenkinson, MP for Workington, said:

"I would encourage people that are eligible for these schemes to apply as soon as they possibly can. I would also like to show my appreciation for how quickly Allerdale Borough Council has been able to move on this and that the team there has had the necessary support from Government in order to help as many businesses as possible during this time."

All information relating to the grants can be found at https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/coronavirus/coronavirus-business-grants-claims/.