Council distributes over £1 million in discretionary grants to Hastings businesses

Hastings Borough Council has now paid out all their discretionary grant funding for local businesses, with over £1 million being awarded.

Cllr Peter Chowney, lead councillor for Finance Management and Estates said,

"The local authority discretionary funding was provided by government for those who didn't qualify for already existing grant schemes to help their businesses cope with the impacts of COVID-19. As funds were limited, we had to decide what types of business to help as there was not enough to help everyone. 

"We have distributed funding to 114 local businesses, with a total of £1,152,988 being paid out. This only leaves £12 unpaid from the total provided to us by the Government.

"We have been determined to do all we can to help our local businesses throughout the pandemic, so we're glad to have been able to distribute this fund quickly to the businesses who need support. Officers have worked incredibly hard to achieve that.

"With businesses now reopening, we will continue to encourage residents to buy local, so we can all do our bit to help support the recovery of businesses in Hastings."