During the economic downturn, the Government have supported thousands of businesses of all sizes by way of a number of programmes through a combination of grants, guarantees, investments and loans. Through the Enterprise Finance Guarantee, over 8,000 businesses have been offered loans totalling over £850 million. Through the Regional Transition Loan Fund, over £40 million of loans have been agreed. And 160,000 businesses have been able to spread £5 billion in business taxes through allowing businesses more time to pay their tax bill.