MILLIONS of pounds worth of grant funding is available for local businesses in Berkshire during the coronavirus crisis. 

Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses who are struggling with the impact of Covid-19 can receive grant funding from the government. 

The money is being distributed by local councils, and each of the six in Berkshire has received millions of pounds from the government to pass on to local businesses. 

West Berkshire Council received the most, with £29.3 million, while Reading was allocated £24.7 million.

Lynne Doherty, leader of West Berkshire Council, said: “We’re pleased to have received this funding, so that we can get it to businesses in need. These grants will help some of our small businesses to develop resilience in the face of Covid-19.

“We’re contacting businesses directly to confirm their entitlement and when their payments are due. If you haven’t heard from us yet, please be patient as our team are working to provide this funding to well over 2,000 businesses.

“If your business is struggling or if you have any further questions, please contact us and we will do all we can to help.”

Alok Sharma, the Business Secretary and MP for Reading West, said yesterday that councils across England have already delivered £3.7 billion in grants to small businesses.

On Twitter, he said: “Today I spoke with councils to thank them for their work so far, and stressed the need to go even faster. Determined to get this money to businesses as soon as possible.”