More than £24.3m paid out to Newark and Sherwood businesses by Newark and Sherwood District Council

More than £24.3m has been distributed to 2,052 recipients in Newark and Sherwood whose businesses have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

It keeps the district council in the top ten of 314 local authorities in England and the best performer in terms of percentage payouts in Nottinghamshire.

Among the recipients was Newark Town Football Club.

Its vice-chairman Sarah Robinson said the financial assistance had been vital in maintaining finances at a time when fundraising and sponsorship activities had to come to a halt, leaving it with no other income stream.

She said: “When we have all been feeling the lows of this pandemic, this incredible payment has lifted our spirits higher than we could ever have imagined. I’m lost for words.

“We are one of the largest clubs in the area with in excess of 25 teams and as well as the senior section, there are lots of children, parents and volunteers involved.

“Sport and physical activity is so important for health and wellbeing and while there are a lot of restrictions placed on this at the moment, it’s vital for the club to be able to keep going for the future.”

The council recognised the importance of making sure businesses had the funds to stay afloat and has used a swift but secure process to ensure money lands in the right place.

It has now paid out to 97.2% of businesses from its original target of 2,100.

On one single day more than £5.6m was paid out, with firms receiving £10,000 or £25,000 depending on circumstances.

The council’s finance and revenues and benefits teams are now working through the remaining businesses that have yet to receive money.

Rather than waiting for government funds to arrive to pay for the scheme, the council initially used its own resources, re-prioritising its cash flow to make payments.

Council leader David Lloyd said: “At a time when there is so much uncertainty for business, not just in Newark and Sherwood, but throughout the UK, we are pleased that we have been able to assist in ensuring firms receive this vital support as a matter of urgency.

“Colleagues in our finance and revenues and benefits teams have been magnificent, as has the entire council team in responding to this crisis.”