WARRINGTON Borough Council's £69 million business relief scheme is under way to help businesses through the Covid-19 crisis.

Following the release of grant funding by the government to local authorities, the council is now taking steps to ensure this reaches businesses quickly.

Companies across the borough are receiving the small business grant and cash grant for retail, hospitality and leisure.

This provides a one-off grant of either £10,000 or £25,000 for eligible businesses to help meet their ongoing operational costs.

All Warrington premises who qualify for the expanded retail discount, which provides 100 per cent business rates relief, will be notified by the council.

Warrington Borough Council leader, cllr Russ Bowden, said: "We are absolutely committed to doing all we can to protect every Warrington business affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

"We are working pro-actively with partners to provide round-the-clock support and ensure every penny of available funding gets to our businesses as quickly as possible.

"I’m delighted that this process is underway and that businesses across Warrington are now receiving the funding and relief they so desperately need.

"We will be continuing to work with you to help you through this difficult time."

The total relief package for Warrington businesses totals £69 million, made up of £33 million of business rate relief and £36 million of grant payments.

Businesses, who have not done so already, are being urged to connect with the council through the online form at warrington.gov.uk/coronavirusgrant.

They will be able to provide bank details and access the latest information as soon as it is available.

Cllr Tom Jennings, chair of the Supporting the Local Economy committee, said: "We know how vital it is that we offer maximum support to our business community during these unprecedented times.

"That’s why we’ve been working hard to put everything in place to minimise any delays in businesses receiving this support.

"I hope the grants which are now being issued, along with business rate relief, make a real difference.

"I want to assure you that we are working as fast as possible to issue all grants, with our team working tirelessly to process company data, and our contact centre being well utilised to provide support and advice throughout this period."

The council is also working with the Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Hub who have a variety of practical services to help people in these challenging times.