Plans by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to launch a £5 billion fund for hard-hit shops, cafes and restaurants in his Budget on Wednesday has been welcomed by Bira.

However, CEO Andrew Goodacre has said that it must coincide with other meausres such as the extension of the business rates relief into next year.

Yesterday (Sunday, February 28), it was revealed Sunak plans to offer Covid-hit businesses grants of up to £18,000 each to help recovery.

He said: "We welcome the funding and it is line with our own Budget proposals. However, we still need to see the extension of the rates holiday or the businesses will be no better off."

Bira's Budget wish list includes the extension of business rates relief, extension of the rent moratorium, and extension of the furlough scheme.

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