Hundreds of Northampton businesses missing out on thousands of pounds in coronavirus grants, figures show

Hundreds of businesses in and around Northampton are potentially missing out on crucial financial aid to get through the coronavirus pandemic.

As the high street continues to feel the effects of lockdown and social distancing measures, the Federation of Small Businesses claims it is 'vital' funding is distributed to firms.

A Northampton Borough Council spokesman said: “Phase one grants from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (DBEIS) continue to be available so we would strongly urge any small businesses that have not yet benefited to contact us.

“The discretionary grants scheme will remain open until the end of this week and allows us to consider those businesses which fell between the cracks in the criteria for the Government’s first phase.”

Councils in the UK were allocated multi-million-pound funds to help ease the pressure that national lockdown has put on businesses.

As of today (Wednesday, July 8), Northampton Borough Council paid out £33,997,000 worth of funds as part of the Small Business Grants Fund scheme and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grants Fund - 91 per cent of its allocation.

The local authority identified over 2,998 small and medium businesses which may have been eligible for grants worth thousands of pounds.

However, around 200 of those identified for potential support are yet to receive grants.

As of June 28, South Northamptonshire Council paid out £15,885,000 worth of funds - 92.6 per cent of its allocation - but 233 businesses are potentially missing out, according to analysis by the JPIMedia Data Unit, which this newspaper is a part of.

While Daventry District Council has identified 119 businesses yet to apply for a grant with £1,347,000 left to hand out - 9.7 per cent of its allocation, as of June 22.

Federation of Small Businesses national chairman Mike Cherry said: “Every day that goes by for a small business without those cash grants is another day worrying about the future of their livelihoods.”

“That is why it is essential that councils get these funds issued as soon as possible and into the hands of small firms before it’s too late.”

“Now more than ever, it is vital that we get the money out there and back our small businesses.”

A DBEIS spokesperson said they are working with local councils to ensure funds get to 'as many eligible small business owners as possible'.

“We urge councils to continue to work at pace so that all eligible businesses receive the grants they’re entitled to," they added.

There is no deadline to apply for the grants by - contact your council to do so.