Almost £25m paid out to 2,000 businesses across Wolverhampton

Almost £25 million of Government cash has been handed out by Wolverhampton Council to 2,176 businesses so far.

It means 76 per cent of requests for funding have been paid – with another 696 waiting for the cash boost.

Councillor Harman Banger, cabinet member for city economy, said: We are doing everything we can to support our small businesses to access this money including proactively contacting businesses who are eligible and increasing the number of council staff working on processing the grants.

"If you’ve already filled in an online form but haven’t received your grant payment yet, please bear with us.

"We have staff on hand to support businesses who require help and advice with the online process.

"Rest assured, we will make sure every business is supported in whichever way possible."

The money, which has been handed out since April 6, comes from the All Small Business Grant Fund and Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

Small business grant funding of £10,000 is available for all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief – and have a rateable value of £15,000 or less.

Funding of £10,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses is available for property with a rateable value of £15,000 or below.

And a cash boost of £25,000 is on offer for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,001 and £50,999

Businesses have to undergo thorough eligibility checks to ensure they are the ratepayer and in occupation of the business on March 11 this year.

A dedicated phone line has dealt with more than 3,500 calls – with staff working to update records as quick as possible.

Anyone with any business support queries should call 01902 290242 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Thursday or from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.