Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, this week questioned the Chancellor Rishi Sunak on plans for more funding to support business in Cornwall as part of the Government’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on Thursday, after the Chancellor’s announcement of the extension of the Furlough scheme and the increasing levels of the Self Employment Income Support, Steve asked the Chancellor to confirm that Cornwall Council will be receiving several millions of pounds (likely to be in excess of £5million) to be used to support businesses in Cornwall that will be affected by the new national restrictions. Steve sought confirmation that these funds will be available to support businesses that may not be forced to close but will nonetheless see their trade adversely impacted.
In response the Chancellor confirmed that this would be the case and that Cornwall Council would have discretion over how to use the funding it will be receiving.
Commenting after the debate, Steve said:
“I was pleased to get confirmation from the Chancellor, that the additional millions of pounds of funding heading to Cornwall Council from the Government will be able to be used, at Cornwall Council's discretion, to help local businesses.”
“Once I have confirmation of exactly how much funding Cornwall Council will be getting, I will be seeking confirmation as to how they intend to make these funds available to the businesses that need it most.”
“This Government is doing its bit to help thousands of businesses and workers across Cornwall through extending the furlough scheme, increased self-employed support and grants to businesses. I am pleased it will also make funds available that can be used to support our local economy through the winter. I hope that, this time, Cornwall Council use its local knowledge and the discretion the government is allowing, to target support to those who need it most.”