businesSEs in East Hampshire collected an average of around £17,500 each in grants during the coronavirus pandemic.

East Hampshire District Council has revealed it issued nearly £46 million in grants to more than 2,600 local businesses.

The grants were delivered over 12 schemes set up between March 2020 and July 2021.

Councillor Richard Millard, leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: “As a small-business owner myself, I know what many others have been going through during the pandemic.

“Restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus meant many businesses leaders had to put their plans on hold, their staff on furlough and probably faced many sleepless nights worrying about how the books would balance.

“The grants we’ve issued haven’t solved every problem facing local businesses, but I hope we’ve played a small part in ensuring our economy can recover quickly now.”

For information on the support still available visit www.easthants.gov.uk/

business-support