Over the past few weeks my office has dealt with many businesses who have been impacted by Covid-19 and the lockdown.
I have received numerous emails and letters asking me to pass on my thanks to the government for the extensive support packages that they have made available. Rochdale Borough, including my constituency of Heywood and Middleton, has received circa £46m of business support funding, which has been administered by officers at Rochdale Council. This has been an extremely successful process and I want to thank all those involved in ensuring that eligible local businesses received these government funds swiftly and efficiently. This has literally been a lifeline for many local businesses, helping to safeguard jobs and our economy.
However, in a small number of cases I have heard from business owners who have been unsuccessful in their application to the Discretionary Business Grant Fund.
The process has been rigorous and that was the right approach at the outset, but I want to ensure that no business, that is eligible for support is missed. So, today I have written to the Chief Executive of Rochdale Borough Council, along with Political Leaders in Heywood and Middleton, asking them to consider a review of all those applications which have been refused.
I am proud of the proactive approach which has been taken by Rochdale Council and think that now is the time for us to ensure that no business has 'fallen through the cracks'.
