The Chancellor has delivered a statement setting out plans to help workers and businesses hit by new coronavirus restrictions. It includes plans for a jobs support scheme to replace furlough, help for the self-employed, business loans and VAT cuts.

Government ministers have announced new grants of up to £1,500 to help businesses shut down by local lockdowns or targeted restrictions.

Q. My wife and I are planning to purchase a property to rent out but, as my wife earns considerably more than me, I’m concerned that she will pay a lot of higher rate tax on the rents we will receive. Have you any suggestions for improving the position?

The Government has announced that employers will be able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every employee they have previously received a grant for under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), and who remains continuously employed through to the end of January 2021.