A BOROUGH’S MP has welcomed the news that its council can now start distributing grants to support small businesses.

Burnley Tory Antony Higginbotham said he hoped the cash allocated by Chancellor Rishi Sunak would help struggling firms stay afloat during the coronavirus crisis.

There are two types of grants available - one for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector and another for all other small businesses.

Mr Higginbotham said: “I’m pleased the Government has now provided the extra funding to Burnley Council so that they can start getting the money to the businesses across our town.

“It’s important we help small and medium-sized enterprises as well as other businesses in this time of crisis and Burnley Council now have the funding to do so.

“I want to make sure that when we exit this period we still have a strong local economy, with jobs being created and a thriving sense of community. This funding from the Government, in addition to full business rates relief, will ensure that is the case.”

Businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector are eligible to receive a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property, dependent on business rates. Many other small businesses which pay little or no business rates will be eligible for a one-off grant of £10,000 to help meet their costs during the Covid-19 outbreak,

Burnley Council will be making contact with eligible businesses.