Businesses in Eden are being urged to claim a remaining £7m available in grants to help them through the coronavirus crisis.

So far over 1600 businesses in Eden have received Government business support grants worth £18m.

The grants are being administered by the local authorities where the businesses are based.

Eden District Council said although it is contacting businesses directly where possible over £7m in cash grants remains unclaimed by 600 firms.

Leader of the council Virginia Taylor said: “It isn’t every day that the Government offers businesses cash grants of £10,000 or £25,000 which don’t need to be paid back.

"We’ve heard stories that people think it must be a scam as it sounds too good to be true. For once it is true - the Government is offering cash grants that you don’t need to pay back

"All the money we’ve been allocated needs to be distributed quickly.

"If the money goes unclaimed not only will it not help that business, the local supply chain and Eden’s economy - it may get clawed back which would be annoying to say the least.”

Two types of grants have been made available for businesses; the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

The Small Business Grant Fund offers £10,000 to all businesses receiving small business or rural rates relief.

The grant for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses is broken down into two tiers, with £10,000 available to businesses with a property of a rateable value up to £15,000 and £25,000 available to businesses with property of a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000.

Eligible businesses which are currently paying business rates by direct debit do not have to do anything, as they will automatically be paid by the council.

All other eligible businesses need to provide the council with banking and other information so that eligibility can be checked.

In Eden, organisations must submit their details through the online portal at www.eden.gov.uk for the Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant schemes.

Councillor Taylor said: "It isn’t exactly an ‘application’ - every business that meets the Government criteria will get their grant - but we have to confirm that match and bank details from you.

"Some organisations may not realise they are eligible.

"The schemes can apply to village halls, holiday homes, markets, self-catering accommodation, sports grounds and stately homes. It really is that varied, so please do check whether you match the criteria - online or give the council a call.”