Corby Council hands out more grants to businesses after slow start

Corby Council has been one of the slowest local authorities in the country to help out businesses during the coronavirus crisis but insists it has now picked up the pace.

According to Government information released on Monday (April 20) the authority has only dished out £3.6m million of the £11.5m it was given by government to help small rateable businesses during the lockdown.

The Corby authority had only awarded payment to 297 businesses, which is only 26 per cent of those in the borough who are viable. The national average on Monday was 48 percent.

But the council says its performance has significantly improved since the Government released its figures four days ago.

A spokesman said today (April 24): “To date Corby Council has received 849 applications, 688 of which have been processed. This takes Corby over the £7m mark in terms of funds allocated, which is 60 per cent of the total.

“The policy in which we have adopted follows government guidelines closely and continues to work well.

“We urge any businesses who are looking for financial help who have not yet applied for funding to do so by visiting our website, https://www.corby.gov.uk/home/covid-19-coronavirus/businesses.”

In contrast to Corby’s performance Kettering Council – which sent out a cheque to businesses automatically – has handed out £15.6m to businesses and helped almost 82 per cent of eligible firms.

The grants are being given under the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund. Each local authority has been given a lump sum allocation by government and responsibility for processing the payments.

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