Caerphilly County Borough Council has delayed answering questions on claims it was slow to release of coronavirus business grants.

Earlier this month, the council was criticised by more than 40 small businesses in an open letter about difficulties in accessing financial support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses in Wales can apply for two grants to support them through the coronavirus pandemic, after the Welsh Government announced a £200 million support package.

However, after concerns were raised over the time it has taken the council to process these grants and release funds, Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge wrote to the relevant cabinet member asking for more details on the process.

Cllr Etheridge asked how the council was processing claims from small businesses, what resources were allocated to the process, whether staff were trained to use the payment system and whether businesses had been kept up to date with the progress of their claim.

However, after Cllr Etheridge received no response, the Local Democracy Reporting Service decided to put the questions to the council.

The council said that they would respond to the questions “in due course”.

The council’s cabinet member for finance, performance and planning, Cllr Eluned Stenner, said: “Cllr Etheridge and the Independent Group will no doubt welcome the news that Caerphilly council is leading the way in Gwent with the value and number of grant applications approved to date.

“So far, we have supported 2,026 local businesses and paid out grants totalling £23.8 million, which is a fantastic achievement.

“At present, our workforce is under significant strain responding to the coronavirus outbreak, yet Cllr Etheridge is adding to this pressure by submitting long and detailed requests for information.

“We will, of course, respond in due course, but I would prefer to see staff use their time more productively supporting local businesses at this time.”