THE Isle of Wight Council is appealing to all qualifying businesses who haven’t yet submitted their details for government grant payment, to do so as soon as possible.

More than 3,500 Island businesses have so far received grants totalling £40 million, and the council has paid or been in contact with all those who have completed an online form for direct payment.

There are still some who may potentially qualify who have not yet provided their details for direct payment. The form can be found online here.

Grants are for £10,000 or £25,000, depending on the criteria, and some businesses have applied but are still required to supply further information to enable consideration of the grant.

Council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, said: “Our staff are working tirelessly to reach these remaining properties and process payment, making contact through letters, emails and telephone.

"We need them to respond and provide all required information so we can validate details and process payments.

“We are aware there is a percentage who may no longer be in business, have changed premises or whose premises are currently vacant. Normally we would pick up on this changing information at this time of year in any case, as in March we send out the annual rates bills, which we have done this year.

“There may also be some businesses who may need clarification about whether they qualify, and others who have not provided details because they mistook the grants for loans. These are grants, which if a business properly qualifies, do not need to be paid back.”

Any businesses with further queries are asked to email ecdev@iow.gov.uk.