According to government numbers released this week, Gosport Borough Council has paid almost £8m to local businesses over the last three weeks.
This is 60% of the amount that was provided by the government to help small businesses and other organisations in Gosport get through the coronavirus crisis.
This puts Gosport in the top third of councils, when looking at how much has been paid out by each council in proportion to the money the government has made available to them.
A key focus for the council has been to get the cash to those who are eligible for it as quickly as possible. The council has spent extra money to make sure payments get to businesses on the day they are made, and not the usual three to five working days.
Philip Jenkins, director of Gosport opticians Phillips and Edgworth Ltd, said: “I just wanted to say thank you to the council team for the prompt and efficient way in which they have administered the small business grant. I applied and received the money into the business bank account on the same day. It is a great help and one less thing to worry about in these difficult times.”
Cllr Mark Hook, Leader of the council, said: “I am really pleased that we can get these grants out to our local businesses, social and sports clubs so quickly. It has been great teamwork across the council to get this set up.”
The grants, made available under a national government scheme, are distributed by the council to small businesses, and firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. Sports and social clubs, and charity shops, may also be eligible. Each grant can total thousands of pounds.
To find out if your business or organisation is eligible for a grant, and to apply, go here or call 023 9254 5470.
The council is aware of companies offering to help businesses get grants in return for a fee. Businesses should ignore these and apply directly to the council at no cost.
Source: Gosport Borough Council
For more information about advice and support to local businesses see here.