IN AN announcement on Wednesday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a new 'eat out to help out' scheme.

The new policy will mean meals eaten at any participating business from Monday to Wednesday during August will be 50 per cent cheaper, up to a maximum discount of £10 per head.

Businesses can then claim the money back, with funds in their bank account within five working days.

There is no limit to the number of times customers can use the offer during the period of the scheme, though alcohol and service charges are excluded from the offer.

You can register for the scheme if your establishment:

  • Sells food for immediate consumption on the premises.
  • Provides its own dining area or shares a dining area with another establishment for eat-in meals.
  • Was registered as a food business with the relevant local authority on or before July 7.

For further information on the scheme and instructions on how to register, go to www.gov.uk

Registration will close on August 31.