More than £2.6m of government emergency coronavirus grants are still yet to be claimed by businesses in north Herts including Hitchin.

Nearly five months after £12 billion was released nationally to help small businesses through the coronavirus crisis, more than £1bn has still been left unclaimed across the country.

North Herts District Council has told Hitchin Nub News more than 2,200 businesses in our area, including our town, have benefitted from the government initiative that was launched in March.

On March 17, prior to the impending lockdown six days later, the government announced emergency grants to help support small and rural businesses, as well as retailers.

Lump sums of £10,000 were available to claim through the Small Business Grant Fund with £25,000 on offer through the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund – both of were intended to help minimise disruption to cash flows during Covid.

More than £10.8 billion has been paid out to nearly 900,000 businesses across the UK, leaving around £1.5 billion still to be paid out to approximately 80,000 firms that are eligible to claim.

In Hitchin and north Herts, £29,115,000 was allocated to the district back in March.

NHDC told Hitchin Nub News: "So far we have paid out £26,500,600 out of an allocation of £29,115,000 - meaning that there is still a maximum of £2,614,400 available in the pot", with the council confirming 2,206 businesses have benefitted from these payments so far, with the average payout totalling £12,012.

The government has said it was working with councils to reach eligible businesses.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: "We are working with local councils to ensure funds get to as many eligible small business owners as possible.

"Businesses that are eligible but have not yet received grant funding should speak to their local council as soon as possible."

Emergency coronavirus funding for firms will be returned to the Treasury at the end of the month if it is not claimed.

The August 28 deadline is fast approaching - for more information on how to claim visit the NHDC website.