Businesses in one part of our region are being given a rent holiday by their local council.
Halton Council has said it will waive rents for its business tenants for at least a month to help companies survive the coronavirus lockdown.
The waiver applies to around 50 businesses in the borough and will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
It could be extended if the crisis continues.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We understand that our business community face a great deal of uncertainty at the moment - this temporary waiver of rent is just one of the measures we are taking to support them through this difficult period.
“The temporary waiver applies to around 50 businesses where Halton Borough Council is the landlord. These premises are home to retailers, solicitors, garages, voluntary groups and others.
“The waiver has been applied automatically so the businesses do not need to do anything.”
The council owns several commercial properties throughout the borough, many of which will have been hit by the government’s order to close businesses to prevent people gathering and spreading coronavirus.
The rent waiver comes on top of other assistance offered to help businesses in Halton get through the crisis.
Halton Council has already disbursed £6.2 million in government grants to small businesses in Widnes and Runcorn, with more money expected to be given out in the coming days.
