Nearly 95 per cent of eligible grants for a coronavirus support scheme have been award to Carlisle businesses, totalling almost £25m.

Carlisle City Council has now awarded £24,940,000 in grants to 2,157 businesses in the city.

The council continue to process government grants available for businesses affected and is urging remaining ones to get in touch.

Any business that has any concerns or has not received a letter and thinks they are eligible, is asked to contact the council by emailing NNDR@carlisle.gov.uk

The grants have been provided to businesses eligible for the government’s small business grant fund or the retail, leisure and hospitality grant. The level of grant is dependent on the rateable value of the business.

Councillor John Mallinson, leader of Carlisle City Council, said: “Our targeted approach has resulted in almost all the grants being allocated. Nearly £25m has been awarded so far.

"We continue to send reminder letters and emails to eligible businesses and urge them to contact us and provide information.”