The Government has confirmed that airports across England will be able to apply for up to £8million in January to cover its business rates for 2021/22.
The move, designed to support airports such as Newquay’s who have suffered massive drops in use through the COVID-19 pandemic, has been welcomed by Mid Cornwall MP Steve Double, who has been campaigning for the Government to provide more support for regional airports.
Commenting, Steve said:
“It’s great news that all airports will pay no business rates this year. This will be a great help to the aviation sector including our own local airports like Cornwall Airport Newquay, which typically pays just over £500,000 in business rates every year.”
“As Co-Chair of the Regional Airports All Party Parliamentary Group and local MP for Cornwall’s vital airport, I have seen first-hand the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on these critical parts of our transport network.”
“I have been pushing for more support for airports for months, and I'm delighted the Chancellor has taken this step. There is much more to do to support our airport and aviation in general but this is an important step forward in helping them through the pandemic.”