More than 2,000 Dudley businesses receive Government grants amid pandemic

A total of £12.3 billion has been set out by the Government for businesses which are struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The cash has been split between councils across the UK which is then delivered to businesses through grants.

In Dudley, more than 2,000 businesses have received help, accessing a share of nearly £24 million.

The vast majority of applications from businesses has now been processed. But the pot could rise to £45m if all businesses applied.

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Alongside this, the council has stopped businesses tax more than 1,500 businesses working in the retail, leisure, hospitality and nursery sectors.

This has effectively wiped a combined £45m from the books of those businesses.

Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance, said: "This is fantastic news for businesses – a double-barrelled package of rescue measures."

For more information, visit dudleybusinessfirst.org.uk/coronavirus-business-guidance