EAST Hampsahire District council leader Richard Millard is urging the last businesses who haven’t received the government grant to businesses adversely affected by the coronavirus outbreak to apply.

Businesses that are eligible for coronavirus-related small business or retail, hospitality and leisure grants are being urged to claim the money they are entitled to.”

Cllr Millard said: “The council has paid out more than £17.7million to 1,400 East Hampshire businesses so far, but there are still around 600 businesses yet to claim.”

The money has been earmarked will be released as soon as possible after businesses verify their details.

And in a statement to the Petersfield Post, Cllr Millard said the very necessary rules on social distancing have changed the way we live our life, and will strangle the spread of the disease, but have had a devastating effect on local businesses.

He added that one of the council’s prime responsibilities during the crisis is to support businesses who have been struck by a sudden and debilitating loss of income.

He said: “As a businessman I know that if businesses do not keep moving forward, they die.

“There are more than 2,000 businesses in the district, and each is the product of a life’s work, of dedication and passion and determination.

“People are desperate. They are watching what they have built begin to fall apart and there is real pain, and real suffering.

“The council is here to do anything it can to help.

“And as a small business owner, I know how vital these grants will be to keep businesses afloat during the coronavirus outbreak.

“But I am not going to pretend that these grants will put to rest all of the concerns that businesses will have as this crisis continues, but all East Hampshire businesses should know that we are here for them and will do everything we can to help them get through this.

“However the fact we have been able to process so many grants and get such a significant amount of money to businesses gives me a great sense of pride in the work of the council’s dedicated staff.

“We are doing anything we can to help self-employed people and people who are not eligible for the government grant money. We are being innovative and creative and looking at everything on a case by case basis.

“We cannot solve every problem, but if you need help please contact us and we will try.”

There grants available are a one-off grant of £10,000 to businesses that pay little or no businesses rates.

And Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants - provides businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property

An automated grant application form can be accessed 24/7 through the council website at www.easthants.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support