Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a new £4.6 billion package of grants to support businesses through the latest national lockdown. UK businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are to be given one-off grants worth up to £9,000. The payments are expected to support 600,000 business properties across the UK. A further £594 million will be made available to councils and devolved nations to support businesses not covered by the new grants. The Chancellor said: 'The new strain of the virus presents us all with a huge challenge, and whilst the vaccine is being rolled out, we have needed to tighten restrictions further.' 'Throughout the pandemic we've taken swift action to protect lives and livelihoods and . . . we're announcing a further cash injection to support businesses and jobs until the spring.' 'This will help businesses to get through the months ahead – and crucially it will help sustain jobs so workers can be ready to return when they are able to reopen.' Internet link: GOV.UK news