BUSINESSES in Barrow will receive a grant of more than £2,000 a month to help them deal with the impact of Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions, the Chancellor has announced.

Speaking in the Commons, Rishi Sunak revealed a new package of support for businesses across the country in areas where tougher restrictions on social contact have been imposed.

Hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in areas with the 'high risk' Tier 2 restrictions, including the Barrow borough, will receive grants of £2,100 every month where restrictions are applied.

Councils are also being given funding to provide grants to distribute to businesses as they wish.

Telling MPs he had spoken to hospitality representatives, Mr Sunak said: "Their message was clear - the impact of the health restrictions on their businesses is worse than they hoped."

" I am introducing a new grant scheme for businesses impacted by Tier 2 restrictions, even if they aren't legally closed.

"We will fund local authorities to provide businesses in their area with direct cash grants.

"It will be up to local authorities to decide how best to distribute these grants, giving them the necessary flexibility to respond to local economic circumstances.2

Welcoming 'fantastic news' Furness MP Simon Fell said: "I've been hounding the Chancellor's team for extra support with colleagues every day, sending through case studies direct from Barrow businesses. I'm glad that he has listened to them, and to the weight of colleagues' voices on this issue."