More than 900 businesses in Maidstone are missing out on survival money handed out by the government.

Businesses in the borough are set to benefit from a £28m grant package to help them get through coronavirus, however there are still some companies which haven't applied.

Across the County Town and its surrounding villages, 940 businesses out of the 2,200 which are eligible for the grants have not made a claim.

So far, 775 companies have been paid and will receive their money in the next few days.

Maidstone Council, which is administering the loans has paid out more than £9.7 million to small businesses which qualify, so far.

Under new rules bought in Prime Minister Boris Johnson to stop organisations going bust, businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of more than £15,000 and under £51,000 will receive a cash grant of £25,000.

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable of £15,000 or under will receive a cash payment of £10,000.

All businesses in receipt of small business rates relief and rural rate relief will be eligible for a cash payment of £10,000.

Stephen McGinnes, director of mid Kent services at Maidstone Council, said: “Our business, benefits and finance teams have been working tirelessly to process these grants, doing everything we can to ensure the money due to these small businesses is paid as quickly as possible.

“There are still at least 940 businesses yet to claim, we urge them to apply using our online form as soon as they can. This money is to help them survive.”

A letter has been issued to all businesses who pay business rates and qualify for the grants with instructions on what to do to receive the grant.

Any business that believes they qualify and has not yet received a letter, please click here to complete the form.

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