The district is hoping to bid for a slice of a county fund for self-employed residents and others who have missed out on pandemic grants from the Government so far.

Essex County Council (ECC) announced on Friday (12 February) that it is allocating up to £7.2 million additional funding to help businesses across the county area survive the Covid-19 crisis.

The pot includes money for a new Additional Business Support Grant for "self-employed people and small and medium-sized businesses who have previously fallen outside the scope of Covid-19 financial support schemes".

The funds also extend the Essex Business Adaptation Grant scheme until July 2021, with the hope of giving more businesses access to grants of up to £1,500 to help them ensure better safety for customers and employees. The grants can also be used to help diversify the way businesses operate, fund new technology and support home working.

The county council's announcement made it clear that the 12 district, borough and city councils that operate within its area - including Maldon District Council (MDC) - will need to bid for a portion of the fund for their residents.

A spokesperson for ECC said: "£6.2 million of the additional grant funding is available for district councils to bid into immediately with a further £1 million to be made available once expected additional funding is released by government."

A spokesperson for MDC said: ""We are awaiting further details, but it is our intention to take part".

Visit the financial support page on the Essex County Council website for more information and how to apply for business grants using the link here.