Has given more than £56 million in grants on behalf of government

April 23, 2020

Ealing Council has handed out the highest number of grants to businesses in London to support them through the coronavirus crisis.

The borough topped the charts for the capital in issuing the government’s financial aid packages to 4,170 businesses out of 5,000 flagged by the council as being eligible for support in the borough.

Since April 6, Ealing Council has given out more than £56 million on behalf of the government.

The authority was sixth in the country in issuing the most grants, according to government data released on Monday, April 20.

Cornwall Council ranked top in the nation for distributing nearly 18,000 grants out of the near 24,000 eligible enterprises in the district.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council cabinet member with for responsibility for business growth in the borough, said: “We know that every day of the lockdown will have a massive impact on our local economy, which is why we have been rapidly working to ensure small businesses are receiving the funding that may be a lifeline to keep them going.”

“I want to thank businesses for continuing to observe the lockdown regulations and assure you that we are looking at how we can provide the right support to get you back on track when the lockdowns have lifted.

“If you’re a corner shop or take-away that’s still open – thank you for being a lifeline to our communities.”

In neighbouring boroughs, Hounslow has sent out grants worth £11 million to 666 businesses so far, out of more than 2,500 identified enterprises.

Meanwhile Hillingdon has dished out more than £18 million in grants to more than 1,200 organisations, out of a total 3,321 to date.

The central government cash boost means that every business with a rateable value below £15,000 will receive support of up to £10,000.

Larger businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors which have a rateable value of below £51,000 could receive £25,000.

In Ealing, outlets entitled to the help do not need to apply and will be paid the funds automatically after the council contacts them.

Ealing Council aims to issue the remaining cash to businesses by the end of this week.

Ealing civic chiefs have also extended central government’s financial offerings by setting up a £1.5 million Covid-19 emergency fund to help business, community organisations and individuals.

Those struggling are urged to visit the council’s website.


Anahita Hossein-Pour - Local Democracy Reporter