BRADFORD Council has risen to fourth in a national league table for the number and value of Covid-19 grants paid out to businesses.

The council says it has now distributed grants together worth over £92 million to more than 8,200 businesses.

There was criticism of the local authority for the speed at which it was paying out the funds.

But it says business rates staff have “worked intensively doing long days through weekends and bank holidays” to distribute the Government money.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “We understand how stressful the coronavirus situation is for everyone, including the local businesses community.

“This is why we are doing everything we can to support local businesses and working very hard to get these grants out to firms.

“We are making excellent progress and will continue to do everything we can to help local people who have been affected by the pandemic.”

Businesses still to apply for the small business and retail, hospitality and leisure grants should go to bradford.gov.uk/businessgrants.