West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed swift action by the Chancellor to support local businesses impacted by the latest lockdown.

Last night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that schools will need to be closed until half term and local people are urged to stay at home unless making essential journeys.

And Chancellor Rishi Sunak today confirmed that an additional £4.6 billion will be allocated to offering support for businesses affected by the latest measures including those retail, hospitality and leisure businesses who aren’t able to trade.

Qualifying businesses will be able to access a grant worth up to £9,000 per property to get through to the Spring. A further £594 million discretionary fund has been allocated to help other businesses in addition to £1.1 billion allocated to local authorities to deliver local support.

Harriett said: “Over the last year, the Government has worked hard to create and deliver a range of support packages to help business that aren’t able to trade.

“I share local people’s shock and frustration that the new mutant strain of the virus is having such a major impact and forcing a return of national lockdown measures.

“The Chancellor has once again stepped up to support business and I remain happy to help any organisation or individual who needs help accessing this assistance either through the Treasury or through the local council.

“The promise of a vaccination offers us all a little hope that times will be better soon and I hope that businesses will be able to weather this latest storm and prepare for a return to operations as swiftly as possible.”