MORE than £1million in Government grants will be handed out to councils across south Essex to help business growth.

Southend was the biggest winner in the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive grants, announced by the Federation of Small Businesses.

The borough was given £561,714, as part of the scheme, set up three years ago, to reward local authorities whose income from business rates has increased significantly during the year. The money is not ringfenced and councils are free to spend it as they wish.

Simon Swords, chairman of the south east Essex branch of the federation and owner of Atlas Computing in Southend, said: "We believe money should be spent on schemes which directly benefit businesses. We are keen to support projects which help reduce the levels of crime against businesses."

For the first time Basildon Council received a grant totalling £172,480, Castle Point got £159,394 and Rochford £254,433.