Over £31 billion has been borrowed through the government-backed schemes that are providing business support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, according to the latest figures from the Treasury.
More than 745,000 businesses have now accessed support through either the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) or the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS).
The BBLS is the most popular scheme, with over £21.3 billion lent through it since it was launched on 4 May. The BBLS allows small businesses adversely affected by the pandemic to apply for up to £50,000, with the government guaranteeing 100% of the advance.
Lenders have provided £8.9 billion to 46,000 businesses through the CBILS, while loans of £1.1 billion have been approved to 191 mid-sized and larger UK businesses through the CLBILS.
Commenting on the figures, Stephen Jones, Chief Executive of UK Finance, said: ‘The amount of support available to firms affected by the COVID-19 crisis is unparalleled. Over £31 billion has been approved in government-backed lending schemes so far to almost 750,000 businesses, with a further £19 billion drawn under bank-arranged commercial paper facilities.
‘But government-backed loans are not the only support the banking and finance sector has made available. Over the last few months, lenders have put in place a clear plan to support businesses in every region of the country, including through offering extended overdrafts, capital repayment holidays and asset-based finance to businesses that need support.
‘It’s important to remember that any lending provided under government-backed schemes is a debt not a grant, and so firms should carefully consider their ability to repay before applying.’
