Councils are facing mounting pressure to channel discretionary grants out to businesses quickly after an investigation by an alliance of events industry partners found 83% of 'additional restrictions' business grants had not yet been paid out. The government says some councils are taking "far too long" to distribute the money and will be "closely monitored for progress". The Events Industry Alliance (EIA), comprised of the Association of Event Organisers, the Association of Event Venues and the Events Supplier and Services Association, has written to the Chancellor and the Local Government Association urging them to take urgent action to ensure that “blocked payments” are released to eligible businesses.