BUSINESSES in Richmondshire have less than a week left to apply for funding to help them recoup losses incurred through the coronavirus pandemic.

And business owners are being urged to make sure they include the necessary support material with their application to the discretionary grant scheme.

Proof of lost income and evidence of fixed buildings related costs must be provided.

Any business not including the required information will receive an email requesting it – but all must be complete by the June 23 closing date.

So far more than 80 businesses have applied to the Richmondshire District Council run scheme.

It is aimed at businesses that were trading on March 11, 2020, have high ongoing fixed building related costs, and that can demonstrate they have suffered significant losses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

They will not have been eligible for previous grants.

Applicants must include evidence of building costs, such as a lease or rental agreement and loss of income, such as a set of accounts or tax return.

Grant payments will be made to businesses as soon as possible after June 23. The grant levels are; £25,000 in exceptional cases where, the business has very high property related costs and the failure of the business would have a significant impact on the residents of the district

Up to £10,000 for small businesses as defined in government policy and up to £5,000 for micro businesses.

Regular market traders could be eligible for up to £2,500.

The application form is at richmondshire.gov.uk.