STRUGGLING businesses across the borough can apply for discretionary support cash later this week after the council was awarded £2.56m by the Government.

The process to administer the grants, allocated through the Discretionary Fund, will be open from this Friday (June 5).

The window to apply for a discretionary grant will be "strictly limited" so the Council wants to encourage eligible businesses to apply as soon as possible.

To support the grant process, rigorous checks will be undertaken to ensure businesses meet the firm eligibility criteria.

A systematic assessment method will be employed to determine need and funding award levels.

Because of financial constraints and to maximise distribution, grants will be capped at £10,000 with most expected to be less than £10,000.

Depending on the level of demand, some businesses assessed to have a lower need may not receive a funding award.

The Government has asked councils to give priority to groups of small businesses that are ineligible for current support, namely charities in receipt of charity rate relief, B&Bs which pay council tax, businesses in shared workspaces and regular market traders.

Other small businesses can also apply where eligibility is met.

Councillor Janette Williamson said: "After more than two months of lockdown, it is vital that we get financial support to our local businesses to ensure they remain viable in this difficult climate.

"Having already been able to distribute more than £45m in grants to Wirral businesses, we are pleased to have an additional £2.56m to allocate but it will be a challenge to make this amount stretch to support all those businesses we know need our help right now.

"It is critical we maintain a spotlight on securing support for business" added Cllr. Williamson: "as there are still challenging times ahead.

"We have to ensure our economy is strengthened with sustainable businesses and we can only do that with Government funding and the support of our local communities."

Conservative group leader, Cllr Ian Lewis, said: "Of the £63.5 million given to Wirral Council to support businesses, so far £44.8 million has been paid out and has been a lifeline for many.

“However, there are some shops, businesses and small charities that were unable to apply last time and so by the Government relaxing the criteria on how some of the remaining money can be used, I hope we can reach those too.

“Since the Government made that decision, on May 2, I know many have been pushing for the Council to make this money available. 

"Our local shops businesses are key to Wirral’s recovery and it’s vital that we get this support out to them when they need it most.”