A POST-BREXIT funding boost is available for Worcester employers - with £60,000 being sunk into helping them grow.

Worcester City Council's Labour leadership has voted through a new three-year kitty which will see grants dished out to small firms.

The cash, which was backed during a cabinet meeting last night, will be aimed at businesses which are not eligible for help from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

During the cabinet meeting the leadership pointed to the economic uncertainty post-Brexit, saying small city firms need a boost.

They also revealed new data revealing how 42 Worcester firms had benefitted from council-backed grants in recent years.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, the leader, said: "The significant thing about this is, it's not just a one-off - this is part of a long term plan for small businesses, particularly those who are not able to get other forms of funding.

"Given the uncertainty around everything else at the moment, this is an important statement we are able to make."

Councillor Geoff Williams, the cabinet member for economic prosperity and growth, said it was about "supporting businesses who are not eligible for ERDF funding", and again pointed to the need to adapt to Brexit.

"This money will be particularly important during this 'transition phase'," he said.

The report for the cabinet meeting also cited the referendum result, stating: "In light of the present situation regarding the future of EU membership and the possibility of European funding reducing or ceasing in the future, it is critical the city council puts in place some support mechanism for business development."

The cash is coming from central Government as a reward for allowing new development, known as the New Homes Bonus.

Under the deal business start-ups will be able to apply for £1,000 while up to £3,000 will be available for existing firms looking to grow, subject to strict criteria.

The council launched grants for business start-ups in 2011 and the 'booster' grants for those looking to grow in 2010.

In 2013, it joined with Worcestershire County Council and other district authorities to launch a new programme called ‘Enterprising in Worcestershire’.

The idea was to match-fund grants with ERDF support, but the ERDF support dried up in December and since then a decision about more support being offered is on hold.

Fresh figures have revealed how since 2013, it has dished out £192,000 via 42 different grants.

Worcester City Council’s own dedicated support saw £47,2017 handed out during the same time period, helping 42 businesses.

We revealed last week how £25.5 million of European Structural Investment Funds has yet to be spent in Worcestershire, with at least some of that cash likely to be at risk.