More than £21million remains available for businesses across the county to claim from their local council.

The latest figures show 1,566 companies have been identified as eligible but are yet to be allocated or claim the £10,000 or £25,000 coronavirus support grants.

Between them, Gloucestershire's six district, borough and city councils had £21,346,000 of government cash left to hand out at the start of the week.

Ian Sloan, of chartered surveyors Bankier Sloan, said: "Councils want to hand out this money. They are trying very hard. This money is free and doesn't need to be returned, it is intended to ensure the long-term survival of local retailers.

All retailers are eligible for a grant if their property has a rateable value below £51,000.

"Any business including market stall holders, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments can now apply," said Mr Sloan.

According to the latest government figures collated by Bankier Sloan, in conjunction with Retail Express, Forest of Dean District Council is paying out the least amount of money (£10,796) per grant across the country's 314 authorities.

According to Mr Sloan, this is likely to be down to the lack of properties with a rateable value in excess of £15,000 qualifying for the higher grants.

The council had £4.44million left to pay at the start of the week with 203 businesses identified as eligible yet to receive a payment.

Gloucester City Council has paid 92.15 per cent of its initial allocation from the Government with £1.7million still available.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has £1.9million to allocate, Stroud District Council £2.76million and Cheltenham Borough Council £3.9million, having paid out the most per grant in the county at £12,539.

Cotswold District Council has the most money left to allocate with little more than £6.6million remaining and 519 eligible businesses yet to receive payment - the highest in the county.