I’m pleased that Labour-run St Helens Council have acted to support local businesses who missed out on support from the national funding scheme.

I’ve been pushing hard on this since it was raised with me by several business owners and local Labour councillors in April, when the first scheme was announced.

This second scheme, which is being delivered across the borough, will be open to independent, locally based retail hospitality and leisure businesses with premises from £51k up to and including £100k Rateable Value – and charities that haven’t previously been able to access grant funding.

This funding will make a real difference to businesses on our high streets and charities supporting our communities.