MORE than 1,500 York businesses are set to receive further coronavirus support grants over the next fortnight.

City of York Council is distributing the rest of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) under the discretionary scheme, which allows the council to direct funds to businesses severely hit by the pandemic but which don’t qualify for government grants.

There are no newly-qualifying business, so the council will automatically pay those already receiving ARG payments.

The funding is dependent on any eligible business's size, whether it has premises and when a business, or the sectors it depends on, can reopen in line with the roadmap.

Cllr Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance said: “We’re working hard to get the remaining funding to businesses to support their reopening plans. We’ve now given York businesses over £180m in grants and rates relief during the pandemic, and have been one of the fastest paying councils in the country. I want to thank all of the council officers involved for their efforts in helping make speedy payments possible.

“Businesses are also thanked for their ongoing patience whilst we distribute this funding appropriately.”

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for economy and strategic planning said: “The ARG has supported hundreds of York small businesses and micro-businesses who have seen their income fall drastically. The remaining grant funding will be utilised effectively to help businesses in York recover."

“We are working swiftly to ensure that local businesses receive this additional support. Payments will be made to business bank accounts from this week.

“As always, I would urge businesses who have fallen through the cracks, to please contact us as soon as possible at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk and thanks to all the businesses who have already got in touch with the team who are looking at ways to provide help.”

Visit www.york.gov.uk/COVID19BusinessGrants