PENDLE Borough has awarded 4,800 of its residents a council tax credit of up to £150 to ease financial hardship during the coronavirus pandemic.

It has also paid out £19.5m in cash grants to 1,800 businesses.

The council tax credits, amounting to £725,000, come from the government’s Hardship Fund which gives extra help to working age residents who receive Council Tax Support and need help to pay the bill.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “So many people have been affected by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic so this is a financial lifeline for many.

“Staff have been working extremely hard to ensure that council tax bills are amended as quickly as possible to ease any financial hardship.”

He added: “Grants of £10,000 and £25,000 are available for firms and we want all businesses which are eligible to apply.

“It’s vital that Pendle businesses get the financial support they’re entitled to.”