Bill Esterson MP has welcomed a new £10m fund to help “excluded” businesses in the Liverpool City Region.
Sefton Central MP Mr Esterson has been a long-time campaigner for the three million workers and businesses around the country that have so far received no government support during the Covid crisis.
Mr Esterson tweeted in response to the launch by Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram of the £10m fund today (Wednesday): “Excellent news for some of the #ExcludedUK in Merseyside and Halton. The latest fund from the combined authority is open to small and micro businesses that have not yet qualified for funding. Government should be doing this across the country. Well done @MetroMayorSteve.”
The new Local Business Support Grant will offer between £3,750 and £13,500 to businesses that have yet to receive support, such as those outside the business rates system, in the hospitality and leisure supply chain, self employed sole traders and licensed market traders, and any business that has lost more than 40 per cent of income due to Covid. The fund has already provided 1,700 businesses with funding through two rounds. This current round is the third round.
Businesses in Sefton must apply for the money from Sefton Council. Businesses who think they may be eligible should email investsefton@sefton.gov.uk.
Applications will close on Friday February 26 at 5pm.
Mr Esterson said: “This has been the hardest year on record for so many workers and businesses and the government has been blind to the gaps in support. People are suffering and it is great news that our Labour Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram can offer this support over and above government support schemes which have been shown to be inadequate.
“This fund with safeguard jobs and livelihoods.”
Mr Esterson also welcomed an announcement that taxi drivers would each receive a £200 grant. Sefton Council said they would contact all their licensed driver direct.
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