Milton Keynes Council has extended its business grant scheme to provide a further £2m to local businesses before the end of June.

The Conservative Government’s business support grants have left many local businesses behind and MK Council’s Progressive Alliance is now extending the discretionary support scheme to provide a further £2m to local businesses and business owners impacted by the pandemic by the end of the month.

Over £5m has already been given to businesses in MK through the scheme and additional funding of £2m will be allocated to previously excluded at-home businesses and leisure and tourism venues.

A decision will be taken on the 8th June to extend the discretionary support grant scheme to ensure that businesses that were required to close but were previously unable to access funding, independent restaurants and cafes, arts, culture and tourism venues and charitable trusts that provide local community facilities will all benefit from funding by the end of June.

Councillor Rob Middleton, Labour Progressive Alliance Cabinet Member for Budget and Resources said: “Once again local Councils are stepping in where the Conservative Government has let people down. Business owners, particularly at home businesses have been left behind and extending the discretionary grant scheme will get another £2m into the hands of business owners at the end of the month, which will be key to getting them up and running again as restrictions are eased”

He continued: “Economic recovery is a priority for the new Progressive Alliance, and by working together this is a great example of how we can work bolder and faster to deliver what people and businesses in Milton Keynes need”