Businesses hit by the coronavirus outbreak are to benefit from a multi-million pound lifeline.

Eligible firms in Sevenoaks and the surrounding area will receive support totalling more than £20 million in the next two weeks as authorities look to cushion the blow to the economy caused by the pandemic.

The scheme will see companies handed a cash grant of either £10,000 or £25,000, depending on criteria set down by central government.

Help is being targeted at struggling businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors which have been hard hit by the spending slowdown caused by the lockdown put in place to slow the spread of Covid-19.

On top of the individual grants to firms, Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) is also implementing business rates relief which will save firms almost £20 million.

Councillor Matthew Dickins, the district council’s cabinet member for finance and investment, said: "We are incredibly lucky to enjoy a strong, diverse and enterprising business community in the Sevenoaks district.

"But this is a time of great challenge and anxiety for them, their staff and families. So we have been working seven days a week getting in touch with all our qualifying traders, axing business rates, and issuing these grants."

A handful of eligible business have yet to confirm their bank details to be able to receive the financial support.

The council is urging them to get in touch as soon as possible to ensure they benefit from the package of help on offer.

Last month SDC took the step of making its car parks and pay and display bays free as it continues to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak. Parking charges are suspended until further notice.

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