More than 50 Rutland-based small and micro businesses have received grants to offset the impact of COVID-19, thanks to the government's Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund (LADG).

Rutland County Council received a total of £575,000 of LADG money from the government in June, to be distributed among eligible businesses in the area.

The fund has provided financial support for businesses with fewer than 50 employees and ongoing fixed property costs that experienced a significant drop in income due to COVID-19 restrictions. This has included small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces.

Other businesses in Rutland have benefitted from the government's Small Business Grant Scheme and Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Scheme, which have seen more than £11million awarded to 993 local businesses since they were launched back in April.

Rutland Council's Cabinet Member for Fiance, Gordon Brown, said: "COVID-19 grant funding has been a lifeline for businesses and self-employed people who have had their income disrupted by the pandemic.

"Administering the grant process to make sure eligible businesses could access this funding as quickly as possible has been a huge undertaking for Councils. Ultimately, we've been able to share out close to £12million worth of grants to help keep businesses going during the crisis."

Coun Brown added: "I would like to thank all the local business owners who worked with Council Officers to make this possible.

"Local businesses still need our support. Economic conditions remain challenging for everyone but we can all help by shopping local, as well as making use of local traders and services."

For more information about COVID-19 support for local businesses in Rutland, visit the council's Business Support Page.