MILLIONS of pounds has been injected into thousands of businesses across Test Valley during the coronavirus crisis.

More than £21 million of funding has been given to at least 1,750 businesses since April 1, putting Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) in the top 20 percent of authorities for issuing payments to businesses.

This comes after central government issued billions of pounds to local authorities across the country in a bid to support businesses with grants and reliefs last month.

Now TVBC is appealing to all businesses to apply for the funding if they believe they are eligible for government help.

Before receiving this funding from central government, TVBC wrote to more than 2,300 businesses to prepare for processing payments for when the money did arrive.

Finance portfolio holder, cllr Maureen Flood, said: “As I have said before, I am immensely proud of our revenues and welfare staff for their efforts in processing these incredibly important funds for our businesses.

“However, I would urge any organisation who believes they are eligible for this funding or relief to please check and apply online via our website.”

To be eligible for a grant, a business must have been occupying their property on Saturday, March 11 2020 and either:

• Be in receipt of (or eligible for) small business rate relief or rural rate relief

• Be eligible for the expanded retail, hospitality and leisure business rates discount

Businesses who have temporarily closed or may not have seen their letter from TVBC can still check if they’re eligible, check government guidance notes, and apply, via the council’s website, at www.testvalley.gov.uk/coronavirus, under the ‘advice for businesses’ section.