Data presented to councillors shows that more than 12,000 small businesses in Hertfordshire have received ‘top-up’ grants during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But there are concerns that the funding available to support eligible businesses may run out.

The take-up of grants was highlighted during a meeting of the county councils cabinet on Monday (June 15).

Data reported to the cabinet revealed that £166.3m of business grants had been distributed within the county by May 11.

But that is reported to be equivalent to 80 per cent of the total funds available.

And according to the report to the cabinet there are concerns that the available funding ‘may not be sufficient to cover payments to all businesses in the categories set out by Government’.

In addition to the business grants, executive member for resources and performance Cllr Ralph Sangster pointed to the loan schemes for small businesses and the business rate relief targeted at small businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

He also highlighted the furlough scheme, which the council’s commercial businesses – such as Herts Catering – have used.