COLCHESTER Council has begun identifying businesses which will receive support as part of a huge Government aid package.

The authority is identifying businesses which will be entitled to rate relief next financial year under plans to tackle the economic impact of the coronavirus.

This rate relief will be automatically applied for eligible businesses.

Business will also be contacted directly by phone, text, email or letter if they are eligible for a small business and retail grant.

The measures were unveiled as part of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's £330 billion aid package.

More information on the support available for businesses is online at colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus.