Ministers have warned that high streets could turn into "ghost towns" unless businesses struggling with soaring energy costs are handed a £10bn bailout.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said that emergency legislation, similar to that of a Covid -style support scheme, should be introduced as soon as MPs return to Westminster on Monday. It would mean shops, pubs, restaurants and small businesses would receive grants of up to £50,000 to help them cope with uncapped rises in bills.
The Lib Dems suggested the measures could be funded through increased taxes on banks. It comes as the cost of living crisis continues to hit both households and businesses up and down the country.
