Bedford Borough Council praised for distribution of COVID Business Support

Bedford Borough Council has been praised for having awarded 100% of the available COVID Business Support funds. According to a report in the Telegraph many other local authorities have only paid out a tiny fraction of the allocated funds, with the worst offending councils distributing just 1% of the funding.

During the COVID pandemic Bedford Borough Council distributed £56 million in support grants to local businesses, supported local residents most in need with support with Council Tax and gave rent-free holidays to businesses in Council-owned properties. The Council also established a Community Hub where over 1,000 residents volunteered to distribute information, guidance and support to vulnerable households.

Portfolio Holder for Finance Councillor Michael Headley said "I'm very pleased we have been able to award 100% of this COVID Business Support. The last three years have had a huge impact on the lives of residents and businesses and it has been crucial to get them the support they need as quickly as possible."

You can read the full article at https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/02/12/disgrace-covid-business-support-postcode-lottery-exposed/.