MORE THAN £55 million has been granted to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole businesses to help them through the coronavirus crisis.

The BCP council has announced that 4,279 businesses across the area have now received Business Support Grants, totalling more than £55 million, in a bid to help secure their future amid fears caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Council contacted all those on their records who met the criteria within the first week and have set up an online e-form to enhance the application process.

Business Ratepayers which have not yet applied are encouraged to use the online application process as soon as possible, and providing the information supplied is accurate, the Council aims to make payments within 7 working days.

In some cases businesses will receive a request to provide further details before payments can be processed.

Councillor Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said: “I am pleased by the progress the team has made in issuing the grants to local businesses during these trying times. We still believe there are businesses out there who eligible for either the Small Business Grant of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant and not currently on our records. We urge you to check whether you meet the Government’s criteria and apply as soon as possible to access this support.’’

“We appreciate that not all businesses are eligible. As a council we have been lobbying the Government to make them aware of the business types that are affected and will continue to do so, both directly and through our MPs and with partners including the Dorset LEP and Chamber of Commerce. Should the criteria change we will liaise with businesses so that they can reapply if appropriate.”

Once applications are verified and processed, the payments can take 3-5 days to enter bank accounts and businesses may be contacted directly for relevant information to validate claims and prevent fraud.

Business can check their eligibility and apply via: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/covid19businesssupport.