Businesses across Merseyside have received millions of pounds in government support in the past week to help them cope with coronavirus lockdown.

More than £33million has already been poured into companies across the city region through government grants to small businesses and the retail, hospitality and leisure industries.

Administered by local councils, the one-off grants are part of the government’s unprecedented package of measures designed to support businesses through the crisis.

Businesses entitled to small business rate relief can apply for grants of up to £10,000, while those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are eligible for up to £25,000.

More than 2,000 businesses in the Liverpool City Region have already received grants, with thousands more waiting for their applications to be processed.

Demand for the support is said to be extremely high and the local authority has warned business owners that it may take longer than normal to get a decision on an application because of the volume of applications.

Wirral Council has paid out £5.12 million in grants this week after receiving almost 2,000 applications.

Paul White, from APH Accountants in Wallasey, said the grants were “great news for business” while Kassandra Lee, of Patton’s Jewellers in Bebington, praised the process as “straightforward” and “swift”.

Wirral Council’s director of regeneration and place, Alan Evans, said: “Our first priority to local businesses is to help them access financial support and advice. We know how critical these grants are right now, and we’ve introduced a simple process to get them out as quickly as we can.”

Applications for grants are still open, and businesses should contact their local authorities for more information on how to apply.

Wirral businesses should visit: www.wirral.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/coronavirus-updates/financial-aid-businesses/cash-grants-support-businesses