OVER £13million in grant funding has been paid to help support local businesses during the coronavirus outbreak, Herefordshire Council has said.

A further £2.7million is currently being processed, with a further 320 payments being made today (April 6).

With businesses operating through a period of unprecedented economic uncertainty, the Government recently announced a package of business support, and Herefordshire Council has been working to identify local businesses that will be eligible for grant funding.

The council say there is no need for businesses to contact them, they will instead contact businesses directly to work with them throughout this time.

"We appreciate that emails asking for bank details may be concerning, so we can provide your property reference number if required or we can send you a cheque if you provide the payee name on the business account," a council spokesperson said.

Cllr Ellie Chowns, Cabinet Member for Environment, Economy and Skills, said: “This is a time of unprecedented difficulty for us all, and the pressure on our local businesses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic is extremely worrying. It is important that everybody is aware of the support that is on hand, and we are pleased to announce that we have paid over £13million in grant funding to local businesses, and we are processing a further £2.7million.

“Please remember that you do not need to contact the council, as our dedicated staff are working hard, including over weekends, contacting businesses directly to make sure that support gets to those who need it as soon as possible.

“I would like to offer a huge thank you to staff, along with our emergency services, key workers, and volunteers, for all the incredible work you do to help protect others.”