A total of 16 arrests have been made during a week-long police operation in the Coalville, Ashby and Leicester areas following intelligence gathering on criminal activity in the areas. Following work carried out and information received, warrants were obtained and enforcement activity was planned. A total of 22 warrants were executed over four days last week as part of the planned enforcement, known as Operation Hatch. Following the 16 arrests, a number of charges have also been made. Arrests made on Monday during the operation were: A 30-year-old man, of Coalville was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. He has since been released under investigation. A 26-year-old man, of Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. He has since been released under investigation. A 41-year-old woman, of Ashby, was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. She has since been charged with the offence. Arrests made on Tuesday during the operation were: A 23-year-old man and an 18-year-old man, of Leicester, were arrested in connection with a non-stop collision in Belvoir Road in Coalville on Monday 13 April. Leicestershire Police have issued previous appeals in relation to the investigation. Both men have since been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and remanded into custody. This is addition to charges for other separate offences including drugs offences. A 28-year-old man, of Coalville, was arrested under the Proceeds of Crime Act. He has since been released under investigation. A 35-year-old man, of Leicester, and a 20-year-old man, of Coalville, were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply. The 35-year-old man has since been released on police bail and the 20-year-old man has been released under investigation. A 29-year-old man, of Leicester was arrested and has since been charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A and one count of possession to supply class B. A 41-year-old man, of Coalville, was arrested on suspicion of sexual communication with a child. He has since been released under investigation. Arrests made on Wednesday during the operation were: A 32-year-old woman, of Coalville, was arrested on suspicion of theft. She has since been charged with two counts of theft. A man and a woman, both aged 63, of Coalville, were both arrested on suspicion of drugs offences. They have since been released under investigation. Arrests made on Thursday during the operation were: A 40-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. Both have since been released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out. A 25-year-old man was arrested and has since been charged with two counts of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Inspector Rich Jackson, NPA Commander for North West Leicestershire, said: “Officers from across force have worked together on this operation in order to gather information, obtain warrants and then carry out this enforcement activity. Investigations following these arrests will remain ongoing. “This has involved a lot of commitment and dedication from all involved and my thanks go to them as well as to members of the community for working with us while the enforcement has been carried out. “Anyone who has any information in relation to crime in their area should report it to us immediately. We will listen to you and we will take action.” You can report online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

A man has been stabbed on Evington Road this afternoon. Police have closed parts of Evington Road to allow investigations to take place. The road is closed at the junctions of Mayflower Road and Saint Stephens Road. A Police spokesperson said “Officers were called to a report of a stabbing in Evington Road, Leicester, just after 2.30pm this afternoon (Monday). The injured man has been taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre with a single stab wound, however it is not believed to be life threatening or life changing. Evington Road is closed between St Stephens Road and Mayflower Road to allow an investigation to be carried out. No arrests have been made at this time.” Police were seen searching for a man at an address on Evington Road early this evening. Pictures by LM News © 2020 Evington Road Leicester more to follow.

Major redevelopment of Leicester’s historic former Fenwick building has been given its final go-ahead, with the complete £17million investment package now in place. The iconic 19th century four-storey building on the corner of Market Street was bought in 2017 by developer Aimrok Holdings. Its ambitious plans for the building will see it converted into a 121-bedroom aparthotel, including a lobby bar, restaurant and gym. The development will also feature four new ground-floor and basement commercial units totalling nearly 11,000sqft, along with almost 12,000sqft of flexible business workspace under a newly signed lease with Leicester City Council. Aimrok Holdings will use the building’s original name ‘The Gresham’ for the new development, in a nod to the architectural heritage of this local landmark. The development will be part-funded by the city council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), with the majority of the £17million costs coming from a mixture of development finance and private investment. Leicester City Council is investing £450,000 to fund the fit-out and set-up costs for the new flexible workspace with capital set aside for the Leicester Economic Action Plan. The LLEP has agreed an investment loan of up to £4million from the Growing Places Fund, a Government-funded scheme that supports key infrastructure projects designed to unlock wider economic growth and create jobs. Andrew Crainey, managing director of Aimrok Holdings, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to finalise the funding for this project in what is a very challenging time for everyone. This is testament to the belief in the recovery and long term view our partners have for Leicester. Our attention continues to be the redevelopment of the site to provide a strong product for the city. “Knowing that the country as a whole will take time to bounce back from the effects of Coronavirus, we will be incentivising potential future partnerships for the occupancy of the four available commercial units to assist in bringing benefits to other businesses in this area as we all attempt to push through into a recovery period.” City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This is great news for the city. The substantial private investment in this important scheme is a huge vote of confidence in Leicester. The Fenwick building is an important local landmark and its redevelopment will bring huge benefits to other businesses in this part of the city centre. “Our own plans to create new flexible business workspace as part of this redevelopment will build on the success of our workspaces at LCB Depot and Dock and provide an alternative and attractive option for new or small businesses and freelancers looking for a city centre base. “The Gresham will be just the latest chapter in the ongoing revitalisation of this part of the city centre.” Kevin Harris, chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) board, said: “With the make-up of our high streets evolving, it is important that we plan new uses for some of our most cherished buildings. This development at the old Fenwick’s store will see one of Leicester’s architectural gems preserved and restored to public use, with high-quality apartments in a prime city centre location. “The site will also provide more much-needed office space in the city, with businesses, start-ups and freelancers able to make use of flexible facilities. This modern approach to working life is sure to be popular with the dynamic businesses that increasingly see Leicester and Leicestershire as a highly attractive place to work.” Preliminary construction work is already underway at the former Fenwick building. The redevelopment is expected to take around 18 months to complete and it is hoped The Gresham will be opened and welcoming its first occupiers by late 2021. All work is being carried out in accordance with current Government advice to the construction industry, and the site is being operated under the strict guidelines and procedures published by the Construction Leadership Council and Public Health England. For initial enquiries or to express an interest in the council-run flexible business workspace contact, please contact luke.pulford@leicester.gov.uk For enquiries about the commercial and retail space being offered by Aimrok Holdings please contact enquiries@thegresham.co.uk Leicester City Council News Release

People in Leicester are being encouraged to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day by celebrating at home. With public events of commemoration and remembrance now cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, the city council is signposting people to online resources that will help everyone feel part of the national tribute to the Second World War generation – and help them make the most of the special bank holiday on Friday (8 May). A VE Day 75 page has been created on the council’s website that’s full of ideas for marking the anniversary – from baking war-time eggless cakes and making bunting, to learning the Lindy Hop and listening to music from the 1940s. There are also links to useful educational resources – and to the University of Leicester’s oral history collection, recorded in the 1980s and featuring personal memories of VE Day in Leicester. A timetable of events for 8 May is also included, starting with the two-minute silence at 11am, an online service from Leicester Cathedral at midday, the national toast at 3pm, and the Queen’s speech at 9pm – which will be followed by the nation coming together to sing Vera Lynn’s war-time classic, ‘We’ll Meet Again’. Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Annette Byrne, will pre-record her reading for the cathedral’s VE Day 75 service, which will be available via the cathedral’s website and its YouTube channel. “Sadly the many public events that had been planned to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day have had to be cancelled,” she said. “But there are still lots of ways for people to reflect on the sacrifices that were made to defend our freedom – and to pay tribute to the men and women who served in the Second World War. “This important anniversary is taking place in extraordinary times, but in spite of our current limitations, local people will be marking the date in their own way and in their own homes – with a shared sense of community spirit that will help bring the whole country together during these difficult days.” Leicester City Council’s VE Day 75 page can be found at www.leicester.gov.uk/VEDay75 The council has also been asking people to send in their family memories of VE Day in Leicester – and those local stories and photographs have been used to create a special VE Day 75 page on the Story of Leicester website. Contributions include a certificate signed by King George VI that was presented to schoolchildren after the war, pictures of street parties on Saffron Lane and Stonesby Avenue, and a photograph of a VE Day three-legged race next to the railway embankment near Roseneath Road/Barkby Lane. The commemorative VE Day 75 page can be found at storyofleicester.info/VEDay75 A summary of national – and local – events on Friday 8 May is set out below: 11am: Join the nation in a two-minute silence of reflection and remembrance. 12 noon: Join an online service from Leicester Cathedral at www.leicestercathedral.org 2.45pm-3.45pm: Watch the BBC’s coverage of VE Day 75, featuring extracts from Winston Churchill’s victory speech – recreating the moment when peace in Europe was declared 75 years ago – and a message from the prime minister. 3pm: Raise a glass or a cup and join the Nation’s Toast: “For those who gave so much, we thank you.” 9pm: HM The Queen will address the nation on BBC1 – at the same time that her father, King George VI, made his radio broadcast in 1945. 9pm: Join the nation in a rousing rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ on BBC1. VE Day celebrations 1945: Courtesy of the Leicester Mercury - New Release by The Leicester City Council.

Central England Co-op’s Leicester-based distribution network has come up with a unique way to honour our NHS heroes – with the help of some pallets and social distancing. The Central England Co-op distribution team in Leicester pay tribute to the NHS. The retailer’s three-strong distribution hub, based in Scudamore Road, decided to use pallets normally designed to move food and essentials to stores, two of its vehicles and colleagues to create a visual tribute to front-line health workers who are going above and beyond during the Coronavirus pandemic. The pallets were used to spell out NHS and a photo was then snapped and shared on social media just in time to mark the weekly 8pm clap in support of health workers and their efforts. Steve Johnson, who works at the Society’s Chilled Distribution Centre, posted the picture online and said: “We are all proud of the amazing work our NHS is doing and the team here wanted to mark that with a lovely tribute with a distribution influence.” This comes as Central England Co-op is currently offering a 10% discount for all NHS workers to say thank you for their efforts working on the frontline to help tackle the Coronavirus. All NHS workers have to do is show their ID card when they visit any of the retailer’s 242 food stores to receive 10% off all food and other essentials. They will also be able to get priority access to Central England Co-op stores by moving to the front of any external queue when waiting to enter. People can keep up to date with what is happening in their local community by visiting a dedicated online hub at www.centralengland.coop/updates

An advice service helping city residents who are concerned about the impact of coronavirus on their daily lives has so far been in contact with more than 4,500 people across Leicester. The C19 Support Service is being run by Leicester City Council to support residents who need information and advice on any matters relating to local disruption from the ongoing coronavirus lockdown. Since its launch at the end of March the service has responded to over 4,500 emails – about 200 per day – giving help to people on topics including food parcels, questions about benefits or finances, medical deliveries and help with businesses. Residents contact the council on a dedicated email address, providing a contact phone number, which an adviser then rings back on to talk them through what help is available. The service is easy to access by emailing staff on: c19support@leicester.gov.uk with the requester’s name and contact phone number. The C19 Support Service is being run by staff from a range of services across the council, including the Customer Service Centre and others who would normally be providing over the counter advice from their base in Granby Street. The council has also created an additional team who have also contacted over 15,000 potentially vulnerable people by identifying from council records residents who are elderly or housing tenants, to ensure they know where to get help. Also, officers from the council’s social care teams for children and adults have been contacting people who are supported o known to them, to check their wellbeing and safety. It is part of a wider package of community help being run by the council, which also includes emergency food deliveries, a phone service to keep in contact with vulnerable or isolated people, and a package of help for businesses. Since the lockdown began, more than 1,000 food parcels have been distributed by the council to those in most need, and emergency fuel support totalling more than £7,300 given to help 79 families experiencing fuel poverty. This is in addition to the valuable, established community foodbanks that serve many communities, run by volunteers and being supported by the council through the Emergency Food Partnership and Action Homeless. Separately, the city council has set up a Virtual Humanitarian Assistance Centre to provide a telephone ‘listening ear’ service to people referred for help from other support services dealing with more complex physical or mental health issues. The service, which is staffed entirely by city council volunteers, street pastors and former Samaritans staff, has received up to 10 referrals a day, and has so far helped 134 people. Leicester assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, Cllr Kirk Master, said: “We are all sharing an unprecedented experience during the coronavirus lockdown, but for people with more complex needs, or those who need help and information to help them deal with particular issues, this is an especially tough time. “The C19 Support Service has proved to be a very valuable way for people to get in touch with us and source the right information to help with these new, unfamiliar problems they are facing. “The majority of the calls have been to request food parcels, but people are also worried about benefits, their finances or access to medical supplies for example, and our staff are contacting them to discuss their needs and the options available to them. “I’m very pleased with the hard work done by our staff to run these services and to be able to adjust to the demands of what has become the new normal. “It is vitally important that we work together to help each other at this difficult time, and go the extra mile to ensure that information, support and advice is easily available to anyone who needs it.” The C19 Support Service is being managed by customer support officer Megan, and depends on staff from many different roles across the council who are working from home to keep the service running, as well as partners from outside organisations. Megan added: “It’s a massive positive to be able to talk to people. That way we can get a feel for how they are doing. They may have called about one thing, but from the conversation we are able to help them with other things too. “We also can’t do what we are doing without other teams’ support as we are part of the bigger picture. “The driving force for me and the team has been the amazing feedback from the public who have been contacting us to thank them for the help they’ve given. It’s good to know that in some way we have helped alleviate some pressure from the hardship people are encountering.” Anyone in crisis or who needs support can email the C19 Support Service on c19support@leicester.gov.uk giving a name and contact phone number. Details of all coronavirus-related support available from Leicester City Council is available here. Leicester City Council News Release

Our postmen and postwomen are working very hard across the UK in challenging conditions. As we said at the start of the coronavirus crisis, there will be some disruption to services. Relevant factors include high levels of coronavirus-related absences and necessary social distancing measures. We understand the importance of the postal service in keeping the UK connected at this time. We have also listened to our hard-working colleagues who have asked us to ease the additional burden on them if possible. As a result, we are making some temporary changes to postal services. From 2 May we will temporarily no longer deliver letters on a Saturday. We will continue to provide a letter delivery service from Monday to Friday as normal. The majority of parcel services will be delivered on a Saturday including 1st and 2nd Class Parcels, Royal Mail Tracked 24 and 48, Royal Mail Tracked Returns, Special Delivery Guaranteed and International tracked services. Customers should continue to post both letters and parcels as usual on Saturday. We will continue our Saturday collections from businesses, post offices and post boxes as normal.

Eyres Monsell Primary School has joined forces with TAP (Thank And Praise), a unique social thanking platform, enabling parents to thank school staff. TAP was borne out of sheer frustration. Founders, Phillip and Sandie Curtis, have received outstanding service from the education sector for their special needs’ son over the past 18 years, but have always found it difficult to relay their appreciation to the right individuals. “TAP, a unique social thanking platform, was created in early 2019 as we believed there was a genuine human need for a new way to say thanks. The current COVID-19 crisis has confirmed this as we have received hundreds of messages of thanks on our specially created Digital Thanking Walls. However, we want to ensure that this national gratitude for essential workers doesn’t fade away when the crisis is over, which is why I’m delighted to welcome Eyres Monsell Primary School onto our TAP platform”, said Matt Findel-Hawkins, CEO of TAP. The TAP platform is a private and free-to-use service for parents to acknowledge any member of school staff. Those who receive messages of thanks are also awarded TAP Points which can be redeemed with a range of retail partners. Headteacher of Eyres Monsell Primary School, Kerry Hill sees the benefits of TAP to her school: “I’m pleased that the nation’s school staff are not being overlooked during this current crisis, however I want to make sure that my colleagues continue to be appreciated on an ongoing basis. As a headteacher, I’m excited by the opportunities TAP provides to support staff well-being and as a firm believer in the power of thanks, I know that it will create an environment of positivity.” TAP has an underlying mission to make the world a better place by improving the well-being and mental health of all those working in education, by encouraging people to show appreciation to them. TAP is delighted to have Eyres Monsell Primary School as its first school in Leicestershire. TAP is rolling out in schools across the country following a successful launch in Berkshire earlier this year and interest following its support for school staff during the COVID-19 crisis. We can all make a difference by saying ‘thanks’, so if you have a child in school please: Message us on 07871 064296 on WhatsApp to register with us Tell us who you would like to thank and where they work, so that we can pass this on, and brighten someone's day! For more information, please contact or follow us on: Website - www.thankandpraise.com Facebook page - www.facebook.com/TAPThankAndPraise Twitter - www.twitter.com/TAPunsungheroes

Residents parking permit holders are being reassured that they won’t be penalised if their passes expire during the coronavirus lockdown. Leicester City Council, which administers nine residents' parking schemes in communities across the city, is reassuring drivers whose permits are due to run out shortly that they will not face any action. Residents can still apply to the council for new permits, but delays caused by the current situation mean they won’t receive them until after the lockdown has been eased. In the meantime, permit holders will be able to continue parking as normal. Leicester assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, Cllr Kirk Master, said: “A number of concerned people have contacted us, worried that they will not be able to get new parking permits when their existing ones expire. “Due to the disruption caused by the lockdown conditions at the moment, there is a delay in us being able to send out any new passes. “But we want to reassure residents that we will not be enforcing these parking restrictions, apart from tackling dangerous or inconsiderate parking, in the meantime. “Given the considerable difficulties everyone is experiencing because of coronavirus, we certainly don’t want to add to residents’ concerns.” Residents’ parking schemes have been introduced in a number of communities across the city where requested by local people. Full details of residents’ parking schemes are available here. https://www.leicester.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/parking-in-leicester/get-a-parking-permit/ Published on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 By Leicester City Council News #LeicesterCityCouncil #ParkingPermits

Leicestershire Police is supporting a regional counter terrorism campaign aimed at supporting people away from 'negative influence' during the lockdown and beyond. As schools remain closed and many work from home to reduce the spread of Covid-19, a series of animations are being released to explain Prevent and its work in safeguarding the vulnerable against the risk of radicalisation. The myth-busting clips aim to bring better understanding around Prevent, by clarifying what it is not. Produced by the multi-agency Prevent team in Lincolnshire, which includes the police and local authority, the animations cover five common misconceptions around faith, spying, criminalisation, ideology and the policing of views. The first clip is being released today (Monday 27 April 2020), with a new one shared every week until all five have been circulated. Chief Inspector Bill Knopp, Regional Prevent Coordinator within Counter Terrorism Policing in the East Midlands (CTP EM), said: “As we all self-isolate and socially distance during the pandemic, we are turning to social media platforms more than ever to stay in touch, share thoughts and ideas, and connect with people. It is, therefore, a crucial time to remind everyone of the unscrupulous few who misuse the internet to negatively influence and spread extreme ideas. “Through Prevent, we work together with our partners to undertake early intervention and the safeguarding of those – spanning all demographics, ideologies and faiths – who show vulnerability to being drawn into or supporting terrorism. “Our intention is to divert people from a path that may involve them causing harm to others and being criminalised. Prevent focusses on bringing about positive outcomes that enable people to thrive and continue to live peacefully in society. “Somewhere along the way I worry that the aim of Prevent has, for some people, become distorted. We hope these clips — which are only seconds long — address some of the misconceptions and, in turn, encourage anyone with concerns to pick up the phone.” Diane Coulson, Prevent Lead Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We work very closely with the police, other partner agencies and communities in order to safeguard individuals from being drawn towards or supporting terrorism. “As local authorities we want to ensure that our communities understand Prevent and that any myths or misconceptions are tackled head on. “We welcome this latest set of short Prevent communications and hope that members of the public take a few seconds out of their time to view and recognise the realities of what Prevent is about.” Prevent was launched in 2006 as part of the government’s strategy to counter the threat posed by terrorists by helping to build stronger and safer neighbourhoods. It helps to tackle the causes of radicalisation and respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism; safeguard and support those most at risk of grooming, through early intervention and the offer of support. Prevent also enables those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate. For a short clip explaining the multi-agency intervention process, Channel, click here. A recent report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) praised the work of police in protecting vulnerable people against radicalisation. You can read the full document here. If you are concerned that someone you know is potentially at risk of radicalisation, tell someone – and help them take a different path. For help and advice about the risks of radicalisation and to refer your concerns, click here.

A new service has been launched to support people in Leicester and Leicestershire who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Leicester City Council and Futures (who manage local careers support for the National Careers Service) have teamed up to launch a new COVID-19 Redundancy and Recruitment Service. The service will help match people who are facing redundancy due to the impact of coronavirus with opportunities in sectors that have seen a surge in employment demand. The Government is already offering the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which is designed to help businesses retain staff during the outbreak by paying 80% of an employee’s salary while they are furloughed. However, redundancies are still being made, leaving people out of work. At the same time, demand for staff is increasing in sectors vital to the fight against the virus outbreak. These include food production and retail; logistics and distribution; and social care. The new service will work with local employers in these vital sectors to help those facing redundancy make a smooth transition into new work. This programme will also support the DWP, which is dealing with unprecedented demand for new claims for Universal Credit. SERCO, who manage a Skills Support for Redundancy programme for Leicester and Leicestershire through the European Social Fund (ESF), will further enhance the offer. Fiona Baker, Head of Strategy at LLEP, said: “Traditionally, responses to redundancy situations have been coordinated directly by the DWP. However, it is currently experiencing huge demand and is diverting its staffing resources to claims processing and payments. “In response, we will work with partners at Leicester City Council’s Employment Hub and Futures to provide this new, rapid response triage service. It will match redundancy situations to employment opportunities and provide additional support where required. “The fight against coronavirus is an immense team effort and I am proud that we are able to pool our expertise to help those worse affected by the economic impact of this outbreak across our region.” Roger Mathews, Leicestershire DWP Team Leader, said: “Our priorities at the moment are ensuring people get their benefit payments, and continuing to support those who need us the most. We are very pleased to be working with LLEP, Futures and the Leicester Employment Hub colleagues as part of this strong employment-focussed partnership. While these are difficult times, unfortunately leading to job losses in some cases, new jobs and other opportunities are being created. This strong partnership will bring about real benefits in helping to link together people and businesses affected by this situation. ‘’ Peter Brammall, CEO at Futures, said: “These are challenging times for individuals and businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire. Futures has longstanding expertise in helping employers to manage their workforce requirements through our National Careers Service programmes, advising and guiding people through redeployment into new jobs. “We’re pleased to be part of a strong rapid response partnership which will pay dividends over the coming weeks in helping to provide assistance and maximise opportunities for local people and employers.” City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It is important that support is available for those people who may be facing redundancy as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. “I am pleased that the city council has been able to work so rapidly with our partners to set up this new service. It will help people back into employment and address the growing demand for staff in areas of work that are vital to our response in these challenging times. “This is another example of how Leicester is pulling together to get through the coronavirus crisis by keeping essential services running and ensuring that people get the support that they need.” The Leicester Employment Hub, which is managed by the city council, is already working closely with local social care providers to promote vacancies in residential care, home care or supported living and link potential staff with employers. Aslam Iqbal, recruitment manager at Adaptus Cares Ltd, said: “We are very happy to be working in collaboration with the Leicester Employment Hub. They have been very proactive by forwarding candidates’ CVS across to us. They are always there if we need any assistance and have any employment requirements.” Employers who want to access the COVID-19 Redundancy and Recruitment Service should go to bizgateway.org.uk/our-services/support/coronavirus-covid-19 Individuals looking for work should visit www.leicesteremploymenthub.co.uk or email employmenthub@leicester.gov.uk Local people looking for free careers advice can email leicestershire@futuresforyou.com The LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub, bizgateway.org.uk has a dedicated area for official guidance and support for businesses and the impact of COVID-19. Leicester City Council News Release Published on Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Businesses across Leicester are being urged to come forward to get financial help from an £85million Government fund designed to help them during the coronavirus pandemic. Leicester City Council has so far processed for payment more than 4,000 applications from businesses across the city, totalling more than £47million of financial assistance. In total more than 6,000 businesses in the city are potentially eligible for the help, and the city council is calling on those who haven’t yet submitted a claim to do so. In addition to processing the incoming claims, officers from the council’s revenues and benefits team are actively contacting other businesses who have not yet made a claim, as well as identifying charities which may also be eligible for a grant. The money is part of the Government’s Small Business Grant funding, and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure grant funding, which was announced just before Easter. Smaller businesses who get business rate relief can expect to apply for £10,000, while larger businesses could get up to £25,000. The grants do not have to be paid back. So far about 85 per cent of claims paid were for £10,000, with the remaining 11 per cent being for £25,000. The £85m funding for Leicester is the largest amount in the East Midlands and one of the 10 highest city allocations in the UK. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It is fantastic that so many businesses in the city have already been able to claim for financial assistance in what is a very uncertain time for everyone. “We’ve processed claims for more than 60% of the city’s eligible businesses, but many are still missing out on the help to which they are entitled. “Our staff are continuing to try to make contact with businesses who haven’t yet claimed, to ensure they can get it. In many cases this money will provide a vital lifeline and we want to make sure everyone who is eligible to claim does so.” The Government funding is part of a wider package of help and support being made available to businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire which are concerned about their future. The website of the Business Gateway Growth Hub – a support network for businesses in the city, run by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) – is being updated daily to give employers details of how to apply for financial help, business support, help for self-employed people and accessing benefits. The pages bring together the most relevant national Government information with the guidance and advice of various teams working across the city centre and beyond, focusing on retail, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, service and other sectors. Leicester City Council is working with the LLEP to coordinate a citywide information service and has a steadily-growing team of advisers already liaising with businesses, who can all be accessed via the Business Gateway Growth Hub. The LLEP has made a wide range of help and advice available online, and has been working with small local businesses concerned about their future. Up-to-date information on help for businesses is available at: www.bizgateway.org.uk To find out more, or to apply for a Small Business Grant or a Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant, visit: www.leicester.gov.uk/coronavirus Published on Monday, April 27, 2020 - Leicester City Council News Release.