The latest budget announced by Rishi Sunak will support the Staffordshire programmes in place to reduce the impact of the pandemic, the county council leader has said.

Staffordshire County Council leader Alan White welcomed the budgets measures, such as the furlough scheme extension, more grants to restart businesses, and support for self-employed people.

We reported all the main points of the latest budget yesterday - click here to read them.

Alan White has since called the budget "vital" in what he says will be another "hugely challenging year".

He said: "The Chancellor's commitment to continued support for businesses and employees through the pandemic recovery is vital and will provide much-needed reassurance to communities here in Staffordshire and nationally.

"He has set out critical initiatives in line with the roadmap out of the pandemic restrictions which we welcome – from ensuring businesses can retain employees to supporting those that have had to close to reopen. In Staffordshire we have worked hard since the March 2020 lockdown to put in place targeted business and employee support with our partners where we knew it was needed most, making it easily accessible from day one.

"Just this week we have launched our latest business support programmes, working with our district and borough councils to make our shared resources work as effectively as possible. Together with national and regional initiatives they can make a difference now so that businesses can survive and thrive.

"The additional funding for the vaccination programme will enhance the superb efforts here in Staffordshire, complemented by our community testing.

"This will be a hugely challenging year for everyone, but with the vaccine success, ongoing business support and a roadmap to recovery set out, there is light at the end of the tunnel."