Businesses in Merseyside could be missing out on a £10,000 grant to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

The region’s local authorities are urging people across the region to apply for a grant if they own a small business to help with finances after being impacted by coronavirus disruption.

Councils say the cash is simple to apply for and businesses will not have to repay the money.

There are currently two grants for businesses that were rate payers before March 11, 2020.

The small business grant of £10,000 is for businesses who are based in a premises with a rateable value up to £15,000 and are in receipt of small business rate relief.

The second grant is a retail, leisure and hospitality grant which operates at two levels.

Businesses based in a premises with a rateable value of up to, and including, £15,000 and are eligible for the expanded retail discount are entitled to a grant of £10,000.

Companies based in a premises with a rateable value of more than £15,000 but less than £51,000 and are eligible for the expanded retail discount are entitled to a grant of £25,000.

Sefton Council leader Ian Maher said the local authority had already distributed £28 million to businesses across the borough but some are missing out.

He said: “We urge all business that fall into these categories to follow the simple processes that are in place so that they can receive these grants as quickly as possible.

“To date we are pleased to say that £28million has been distributed to businesses across Sefton, but we know there are more that have not yet applied and we would encourage them to do so without delay.

“These grants are designed to give small businesses some much needed financial support at this very challenging time and we want to ensure that all businesses that are eligible receive them.”

How to apply 

If you think you are eligible for the grants you need to apply to the Merseyside council your business is situated in online.

You will need your business rates account number and unique property reference number (UPRN) which can be found on the bills sent out in March 2020.

Councils have said if you cannot find your business rates reference number you will need to send in details of your name, the name of the business, business address and telephone number.

You might be asked to email a photograph or scan of your most recent bank statement dated within the last three months

Some councils such as Sefton said if you don’t have your bill you will need to email the local authority for it to be re-issued.

Along with your UPRN you will simply need to enter your business bank account, VAT Registration Number (if VAT registered) and Companies Number (if a Limited Company) onto the online portal on the council’s website.