Hundreds of businesses receive lockdown grant in first week

Hundreds of Darlington businesses forced to close their doors due to this month’s lockdown have received more than half a million pounds of Government grants in the first few days of the scheme.

Since the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme, administered by the council, opened on Monday (November 9) 449 local businesses have been awarded £663,910.

It is thought that hundreds more businesses in the town are eligible for the automatic grants but are yet to apply.  

Work to set up a discretionary grant fund – known as the additional restrictions grant – which is primarily aimed at businesses which do not fall within the eligibility criteria for the automatic grants, is ongoing.

Councillor Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “It is heartening to hear that so many businesses have benefitted from these grants in just the first few days of the scheme.

“The revenues and benefits team at the council have worked tremendously hard to process the applications and ensure that money is paid as swiftly as possible to affected businesses.

“I understand that there are still many businesses we would expect to see applications from that have not yet been in touch – I would urge any business owner to check the website and, if you fit the eligibility criteria, to apply as soon as possible so we can get you the grant you’re entitled to.

“Work is ongoing behind the scenes for the discretionary grant fund and we expect to make some announcements on that scheme in the coming days.”