West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has praised the work of local council staff who have handed out over £2 million to help businesses who have had to close their doors because of new Covid restrictions.

A wide range of businesses have been able to access cash support from Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils and pubs that have to shut because they are unable because they can’t serve a substantial meal have been offered an extra £1000 of Government support.

Employers have been able to access a number of schemes to protect jobs and livelihoods this year and discretionary grants have also been allocated by the local district councils.

Businesses affected by the latest national lockdown have until December 22 to apply for support.

The two councils are currently developing the scheme to support businesses affected by the tier two restrictions and this will be published shortly. Pubs will be contacted about the £1,000 extra financial support directly.

Harriett said: “We have just moved from extra national restrictions into tier two and that means that some businesses have been able to re-open like gyms and non-essential shops, but others, like some pubs are unable to trade.

“I’ve been impressed at the way national and local support has been rolled-out, but I’ve been busy working with those organisations and individuals who may have slipped through the gaps.

“There are some extra challenges faced by those pubs who can’t trade because they can’t serve meals and they will be contacted directly by the council to be able to access extra support.

“But my sincere hope is that, with the roll-out of a vaccine and declining incidence of Covid across West Worcestershire, we can return to tier one restrictions as soon as possible.”