YORK businesses are expected to receive their Restart Grants from this week.

City of York Council said eligible non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation and leisure businesses should see the money in their bank accounts within three working days of the payments being made this week following Government rules on fraud checks.

Those businesses that have already qualified for payments from other grant programmes do not need to reapply, and will automatically be paid, if eligible.

New businesses that started trading between January 5 and April 1 may also qualify for the grants, and can apply online through the council website from today, Monday, April 12.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and performance said: "Our staff at City of York Council are once again working extremely hard to ensure that payments are made quickly to eligible businesses.

"We’re grateful for businesses' patience, and hope the fast payments help them to bounce back from such a tough year.”

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for economy and strategic planning said: "We’re working with partners across York to support a safe and successful reopening of the city.

"Fast payment of grants has been a key part of our ongoing job retention and business support work in the city. Alongside creating outdoor space and processing pavement café licenses, efficient grant support will ensure that local businesses are in the best position to reopen their doors once it is safe to do so.

“I’d like to thank all local businesses for their efforts in providing a safe and welcoming experience for customers, and wish them well as they reopen throughout the roadmap.

“I’d also like to thank all those residents who continue to support York’s local businesses and the jobs they provide by shopping local.”

For further information about the Restart Grant which is a one-off payment, including how to apply, visit www.york.gov.uk/information-businesses/covid-19-business-rates-grants#rg

If your business still falls through the cracks of government schemes, contact economicgrowth@york.gov.uk