A new grant scheme has been launched to help businesses tackle rising energy costs.

Stevenage Borough Council has introduced the Stevenage Green Business Grant as part of its Sustainable Support Programme.

It is aimed at helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) implement greener solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and slash energy costs.

Eligible businesses can apply for a non-repayable grant ranging from £500 to £10,000 to cover 80 per cent of their costs, depending on the business size and project type.

To receive funding, businesses must have an independent Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) in place, created with support from the council's Sustainable Business Support Programme, Wenta’s Action Zero Programme, or another accredited programme.

The CRP is designed to identify projects that would help reduce the business's overall carbon emissions.

Councillor Lloyd Briscoe, portfolio holder for local economy, transport, and skills, said: "The council is committed to helping SMEs to adapt to the wider climate change opportunities open to them and support improved ways of working to reduce their overall carbon emissions.

"We hope many Stevenage businesses will take up the offer of the grant to help them invest in products and equipment to reduce their operational costs, save money, and improve operational efficiencies, whilst also helping the environment."

Businesses can apply for funding on stevenage.gov.uk/business/stevenage-green-business-grant.