Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many local authorities have made Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant payments to English language schools; whether his Department has contacted local authorities that have not made those payments; and if he will make a statement.

As of 5 July, £10.65 billion has been paid out to over 867,600 business properties under the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund (RHLGF). The grant schemes replicate the eligibility for the specific rate relief schemes. It is for local authorities to determine eligibility for reliefs, having regard to the guidance issued by government, and to deliver grants to businesses that are in scope. We do not hold sector-specific data from local authorities on grant payments. We have, however, published a full breakdown of grant funding allocated to and distributed by each local authority here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-grant-funding-local-authority-payments-to-small-and-medium-businesses.

We are working closely with all local authorities to deliver remaining funding to businesses that are in scope of the two schemes as quickly as possible, while safeguarding public funds. As part of this, we have provided detailed guidance and FAQs, regular briefings and one-to-one support from ministers and officials, as well as a communications toolkit to help local authorities reach remaining businesses.