01 January 0001

New government data has revealed local authorities are still sitting on £800 million worth of Restart Grants.

The Government has published figures which reveal that of the £3.4 billion handed out to local councils to pass to hard-hit businesses, £2.6 billion has been allocated.

For example, in East Riding, Yorkshire Council had issued £23.7 million in grants to 3,141 businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors under the scheme up to the end of May. It came from a £25.1 million pot given to the council, which leaves £1.4 million to still give away by the end this month. It was reported in the Bridlington Free Press here

Meanwhile, Bassetlaw District Council had issued £5.8 million in grants to 817 businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors under the scheme up to the end of May. It came from a £6.9 million pot given to the council, which leaves £1.1 million to still give away by the end of July. It was reported here.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira's CEO, said: "This data clearly shows that some local authorities still have money to hand out to hard-hit businesses to help with their recovery.

“We have already voiced its disappointment in the speed in which some local authorities issued grants. They were meant to be Restart grants, in line with the reopening of so-called non-essential retail on April 12.

"However, we know from our members that some councils still haven’t paid the grants – or did so many months too late - despite having business details to hand from the last time lockdown grants were issued."

Find out your how local authority performed here

Andrew spoke to the Daily Telegraph on the matter. Read the full article

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