Rutland MP Alicia Kearns says the government has delivered more than £110 Million in COVID-19 Support to support businesses and families in her constituency.

Mrs Kearns says at the start of this pandemic, the Government said it would 'do whatever it takes' to help people and businesses throughout the pandemic.

In Rutland and Melton, over 18,000 people and over 3,000 businesses have accessed support including over £110 Million in loans and grants.

That means, according to the government:

14,400 people helped through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

4,000 self-employed people received £12,600,000 through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)

2,000 business grants paid, totalling more than £23 million

At least 127 businesses helped by the discretionary grant scheme, totalling more than £700,000

1,816 loans, totalling more than £74 million.

Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns said: "It is clear that this Government is here for Rutland and Melton and it delivered for Rutland and Melton at our darkest time.

"We will always stand by business, because that's how we support families - ensuring jobs are there to come back to so that families have security, choice and opportunity. I am proud to have fought hard for the discretionary grant fund and pleased to see it benefit my constituents."

The grants and loans have also made a big difference to self-employed people.

Rutland based driving instructor Lisa Tapp said: "After a very stressful 3 months of unsuccessfully trying to obtain a government funded Bounce back loan, I contacted my local MP Alicia Kearns.

"She was a great help to me, she wrote to my bank on my behalf and I was then able to re-apply and was successful with my application. She has been a lifeline to me. The Government funded, bounce back loan has enabled me to keep my business afloat.

"After nearly 4 months of not being able to operate my driving tuition school, due to Covid-19, the loan has taken away the worry and stress of my financial hardship and I can now concentrate on building my business back up again. Without this, I don't know what I would have done.

Peter Atkinson, the owner of The Grainstore Brewery, which produces one of Rutland and Melton's three Geographically Protected food and drinks, Rutland Bitter, said: "We have been delighted to see the support that both the local councils and our local MP have provided to business in both Rutland and Melton.

"Many small and medium sized businesses in our area would have struggled to reopen had this support not been received.

"The Grainstore Brewery itself has accessed both a Business loan and after help from Alicia Kearns MP, was able to access a grant, without either of which the brewery, it's Tap Bar and it's fine range of National Award winning Ales would certainly have been under threat.

"Whilst certainly not out of the woods yet, we look forward to their continued efforts and support in the months ahead.'

However, Mrs Kearns says the Government will not be resting. Over the last few weeks it has announced plans to invest in schools, infrastructure and health, promising billions in new spending to restart our economy. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme will also provide real support to our high street businesses.

The MP commented: " The support our businesses have received in Rutland and Melton has been vital to keep people afloat in this difficult time.

"Now, I am working harder than ever with central government, local businesses and local councils to energise our recovery and make sure that businesses are able to re-open and grow as we leave lockdown. If we all pull together, we can make Rutland and Melton an even more prosperous and dynamic place to live."