We have recently seen a stir in the local news about the not-so-local business "Wendy's" receiving part funding of £200k as part of the levelling-up grants provided by the government via our local council.

While we appreciate that it is not all as black and white as the media suggests, it still seems an insult to the hardworking businesses around the local area. Whether they're franchised businesses or not, they're still backed by multi-million-pound companies.

The local independent businesses, some of which have struggled through the Covid pandemic and come out of the other side, and some who unfortunately did not make it, deserve recognition and better grant access.

If a pot of money exists that ultimately supports the expansion of global conglomerates, we believe it should be accessible to those struggling in the aftermath of the pandemic in a cost of living crisis. Preserving people's current lives to give them and their employees some security is not much to ask for. Independent businesses are the life and soul of this working-class city.

The people behind the businesses have to be everything from social media handlers, promoters, servers, photographers, accountants, chefs, bartenders, sound engineers, cleaners and everything else that comes with running DIY businesses.

There is no HR department or marketing team, and there are no specialists in filling out grant applications. We are multi-tasking, jack of all trades who have had to learn and learn fast in an ever-changing economy because that's the only way things get done.

We face ever-increasing energy costs, overheads, stock prices, rent, and VAT (charged at the same rate as huge companies). Now, we are asking for change. We propose an emergency fund for independent local businesses in the city, regardless of the postcode or centre proximity.

We suggest you look at those local businesses that have worked tirelessly for years to keep their doors open and their loyal staff in jobs. For example, reconsider how the levelling up grants are distributed and include existing struggling businesses. Consider the fact that many had no choice but to use Covid loans to pay off landlords or increased energy bills . There were also many small businesses in the UK that received little or no support at all, newly self employed and new business with no history for example. We also propose that the new government holds its promise to small firms, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed who face unique challenges by offering VAT relief to smaller companies, as they say, 'the lifeblood of communities and high streets across the country.

These businesses should be celebrated and promoted by the local council. Nobody visits Hull to sit in a big restaurant chain; you can get them anywhere.

What makes this city unique is its independent traders and culture. These are the spots where communities are born, and these are the places that should be protected. We have already seen many unique, hardworking independents close their doors.

We ask to preserve what we have left before it's too late.

On behalf of the independents of Hull