More than 1,600 businesses in Allerdale have been given £20 million of support.

Government grants and other financial support has been handed out to 1,691 firms in the borough.

Co-ordinated by Allerdale council, 2,336 applications have been made for the support.

There are two grants available.

The first provides all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief with a grant of £10,000. The maximum rateable value limit is £15,000.

The second provides support for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. These are:

• £10,000 for businesses with property with a rateable value of up to £15,000 (which do not receive small business rate relief or rural rate relief)

• £25,000 for businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,001 and £50,999.

Eligible businesses currently paying business rates by direct debit do not have to do anything, as they will automatically be paid by the council. All other eligible businesses need to provide the council with banking and other information so that eligibility can be checked.

Jim Lister, executive member for finance and legal, said: "I have nothing but praise for our staff here at Allerdale who are working exceptionally hard to support businesses throughout this tough time. The amount of applications they’ve been able to deal with so far really is testament to their skill and professionalism under challenging circumstances.

“For those businesses who’ve yet to get in touch, and think they may be eligible, please check out our website and find out more about the criteria and support available.

"If you need to send us your details then please do so as soon as you can – we know how crucial this support is and we’d like you to be able to receive it as quickly as possible."

For more information, visit www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/coronavirus