Newport City Council has distributed nearly £19m worth of grants so far as part of a package of support to Newport businesses in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The grants were introduced by Welsh Government as part of their response to coronavirus, and are being administered for local businesses by the council.

The total grants distributed to date make up a little over half of the estimated total that the council believes qualifying businesses in the city are able to claim, and our revenues team will continue to work through applications as quickly as possible to ensure all eligible businesses benefit.

The council has also adopted Welsh Government’s Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rate Relief Scheme for 2020-21, meaning that qualifying businesses will not pay rates for the forthcoming year, and is also liaising with the Development Bank for Wales regarding the government’s Economic Resilience Fund announced last month, which is expected to become operational later this month.

Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council, said “Distribution of these grants, along with the rate relief scheme, are vital to ensure the resilience of our city’s businesses and economy.

“I am very grateful to our revenues team for their efforts in ensuring these grants are reaching eligible businesses as quickly as possible, and we will continue to do everything we can to support our economy during this crisis.

The council encourages all businesses who are eligible to apply, so if you think you might qualify, please look at the application process on our website – http://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Business/.