COUNCIL chiefs across the region have welcomed an announcement by the Chancellor confirming extra financial support to businesses.

A statement by the LA7 leaders reads: "We welcome today's announcements and have lobbied for additional support for businesses, so we are pleased the Chancellor has listened.

"While we await full details, this package recognises the ongoing difficulties businesses are facing and extra financial support was needed regardless of the level of restrictions in place.  

"We now need to be given the resources to process cash grants in a timely manner for businesses in High Alert Level (Tier 2) regions that, despite being able to remain open, are under huge financial constraints as the Chancellor himself recognised.  

"It remains to be seen what impact the grants, as well as the revised jobs support scheme and contributions to the self-employed, will have and we will continue to do our upmost to make sure residents and businesses in all sectors get the support they need. 

"It is our hope that today's announcement offers some comfort to businesses and workers who have persevered remarkably during the pandemic, and we once again thank everyone for continuing to comply with the regulations and guidance." 

The Chancellor said he brought in the latest economic support package in response to the reintroduction of some coronavirus restrictions.

He told a No 10 press conference that when the earlier Job Support Scheme was designed, it was at a time when controls were being eased.

“It was done over the summer with a view to the economy being open and restrictions being lifted. Obviously the last few weeks, that has not been as those businesses had expected,” Mr Sunak said.

“Those restrictions were coming back, they were having a cumulative effect on the ground, particularly in Tier 2 areas, particularly in hospitality.”