Small Eastbourne businesses receive £18 million covid support – but hundreds still missing out

That is according to new government figures, which show £18,270,000 has been paid out to thousands of businesses, but 277 eligible traders have not yet received funding.

Eastbourne council has received a £22,608,000 initial allocation from the government to support businesses.

As of the end of June, more than 80 per cent of this had been paid out, with 84 per cent of businesses receiving support.

But, according to government figures, there is still £4,338,000 to spend.

Eastbourne murder victim was ‘devoted and caring’ mother of two disabled children

As the British high street continues to feel the strain of lockdown and social distancing measures, the Federation of Small Businesses has said it is “vital” funding is distributed to businesses.

The UK Government said it is working with local councils to ensure funds get to small business owners throughout the crisis.

As of June 28 2020, local authorities in England paid out £10.57 billion worth of funds to small and medium businesses as part of the Small Business Grants Fund scheme and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grants Fund.

As part of the scheme local authorities identified over 950,000 small and medium businesses which may have been eligible for grants worth thousands of pounds.

However, analysis by JPIMedia Data Unit can reveal that out of those identified for potential support, over 96,000 small and medium businesses are yet to receive grants.

A spokesperson for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said they are working with local councils to ensure funds get to “as many eligible small business owners as possible”.

The spokesperson said, “We urge councils to continue to work at pace so that all eligible businesses receive the grants they’re entitled to.”

Data reporting by Aimee Stanton of the JPIMedia Data Unit.

Eastbourne seafront restaurant intends to appoint administrators

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.