CREWE and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan has reassured businesses forced to close that ongoing monthly support will still be available to them as well as the one-off grants recently announced by the government.

Firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure industries forced to close in the lockdown until at least the middle of next month are to receive a one-off sum worth up to £9,000, with the amount provided depending on the value of their business.

But the MP says he fielded concerns from some local firms who thought they would lose access to the pre-existing monthly grants shuttered businesses have been receiving from the state.

The MP sought clarification from the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to ensure that firms do not need to choose between the new grant and the monthly grants.

In Parliament, the Chancellor told him: "I am happy to confirm that is absolutely the case. They don't have to choose… This means, cumulatively over the next three months businesses could receive up to £18,000 of support.

"Kieran has spoken to me at great length about supporting his local hospitality industry and I hope that this helps. "

Outside the Chamber, the MP said "There has been some confusion surrounding the one-off grant, of up to £9,000, available to businesses forced to close, and some businesses have assumed this one-off grant was an alternative to the monthly grant.

"I am pleased that the Chancellor clarified that businesses forced to close their premises can claim the one-off grant in addition to the monthly grants, of up to £3,000, they are currently receiving.

"I hope all businesses impacted by the lockdown are making use of the support the government has provided and I would encourage any businesses that are struggling to apply to contact my office."