A COUNCIL has apologised after offering a business grant to a dead man.

Lewes District Council has said it is “deeply sorry” after offering Paul Gander a coronavirus relief grant, despite him no longer being alive.

It wrote a letter addressed to “PAUL GANDER DECEASED” on April 9, stating “according to our records your business may qualify for a grant”.

A spokesman for the council said: “We are deeply sorry. We have contacted the family to apologise for the distress caused.

“The error related to data used in a mailing about business support grant funding.”

Small businesses are entitled to a Small Business Rate Relief or for Rural Rate Relief.

Those eligible will receive a £10,000 grant.

There are also retail, hospitality and leisure business grants.

Under this scheme, those with a property that has a rateable value up to £15,000 will receive a grant of £10,00

Those with a property that has a rateable value of more than £15,000 and less than £51,000 will receive a grant of £25,000.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund