The leader of Maldon District Council has told how staff are 'working tirelessly' on business grants through weekends to try to get cash help to those who now desperately need it - and thanked businesses for their patience at a challenging time.

More than £3million of grant payments will now be going out to businesses in the next few days.

Councillor Wendy Stamp also said that the council has now introduced a one-off grant of £400 for licenced taxi drivers who have seen a significant decrease in passenger numbers during the pandemic.

Cllr Stamp added: "We are continuing to prioritise the payment of grants to our businesses and understand the importance of getting payments to those who are experiencing an unprecedented financial challenge.

"However, the delay between the schemes being announced by government and guidance being issued to local authorities has resulted in delays which were beyond our control."

"I am pleased to say that following receipt of the latest guidance on Friday our team have worked over the weekend to assess outstanding grant applications and in the next few days over £3million of payments will be made to businesses who have previously made a valid application, covering the period up to 15 February when the tier level and restrictions are due to be reviewed by the Government."

An application form for the licenced taxi driver payment can be found on the Maldon District Council website via the link here.

Cllr Stamp also told how the authority has received 30 applications for the 'Christmas Support for Wet Led pubs' scheme and encourages any pub who derives their income primarily from the sale of drink, rather than food - and who have not yet applied - to do so as soon as possible as applications for the scheme will close at the end of January.

The council team is also assessing business adaptation grants on a daily basis. These grants of up to £1,500, are to support businesses to carry out adjustments to premises to enable them to continue to operate, improve their business and ensure the health and safety of staff and customers.

They can be used to help to purchase outdoor seating, shelter and lighting to enable outdoor trading or to provide protective screens and barriers to keep customers and staff safe.

Cllr Stamp also apologised for delays in getting grants money to local businesses and thanked them for their patience, adding: "We recognise the severe difficulties that local businesses are facing and continue to prioritise this work to best support them.

"Our small team have worked as quickly as possible to process all of the grants that have become available due to the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, and I am pleased at the progress they have made in what has been a challenging situation. I am sorry that some businesses have had to wait for their payment and sincerely appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by businesses so far.

"We are continually reviewing our policy and processes to ensure that as much money is paid out as quickly as possible, and we are asking businesses to continue to check back on our website and social media for updates and if possible, avoid telephoning us once claims have been submitted."