WARRINGTON Borough Council has paid out more than £15 million in grants for businesses affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The total relief package for Warrington businesses, announced last week, is £69 million, made up of £33 million of business rates relief and £36 million of grant payments.

Following this release of grant funding by the government to local authorities, the council has taken steps to ensure these funds are administered as quickly as possible.

The council’s benefits and exchequer service has processed £15.7 million in grants so far.

This includes small business grants and cash grants for retail, hospitality and leisure, providing eligible businesses with a one-off grant of either £10,000 or £25,000.

In addition, all Warrington premises which qualify for the expanded retail discount, which provides 100 per cent business rates relief, have been notified by the council.

Businesses which have not done so are being urged to connect with the council through the online form at warrington.gov.uk/coronavirusgrant.

Warrington Borough Council leader, cllr Russ Bowden, said: "We have promised to do everything we can to support local businesses through this crisis, so it’s fantastic that this vital funding is getting out to our businesses quickly."

Cllr Tom Jennings, chair of the Supporting the Local Economy committee, added: "Our quick and simple online tool allows us to gather enough information to help you get the appropriate support as soon as possible.

"I encourage every Warrington business owner to help us to help you by completing the form."