WINCHESTER City Council is urging businesses to apply for unclaimed financial support.

The city council has already distributed more than £23.5 million in grants across April and May to 1,900 companies.

Financial aid is available to some small businesses, and certain businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector.

Although the council has written to all on their register, it is estimated that 300 that may be eligible are yet to make a claim.

Cllr Anne Weir, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, said: "It’s not too late to access this financial support, and we are urging eligible businesses to do this as soon as possible.

"These grants could be a lifeline for hard working business owners across our district and we want to make sure every penny possible reaches those people who are entitled to it.

"Our teams are here to guide you through the options that might be available, including a new fund that was announced by the Government on May 1."

Business owners are being urged to contact the council’s revenues team as soon as possible by email: businessrates@winchester.gov.uk or telephone on 01962 848288.

The council has also joined forces with Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and partners to carry out a business survey. This will assess the impact of the government funding schemes, which will help inform the shape of ongoing support to the local economy.