A £5billion scheme for High Street shops and hospitality businesses in England has been unveiled, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak promising more support to come for the economy.
Ahead of Wednesday's Budget, the chancellor said the grants, worth as much as £18,000 per businesses, will help them reopen as lockdown measures are due to ease through the Government’s Roadmap to Recovery.
St Austell and Newquay’s Member of Parliament, Steve Double has been campaigning for extra support for businesses in Cornwall, as well as in his role as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism.
Commenting, Steve said:
“This is great news from the Chancellor ahead of this week’s Budget and will be welcomed by many businesses across Mid-Cornwall.”
“Hospitality and tourism businesses across the UK have almost weathered this storm and are raring to bounce back. Getting the right support measures in place for this ‘final push’ will benefit not just the economy but also employees and communities right across the UK.”
“These businesses are often focal points around which social lives revolve; they contribute to a local sense of identity and cohesion, in addition to providing enormously valuable community hubs.”
“I have been campaigning hard for further support schemes and just last week wrote to the Chancellor arguing that another round of grants such as has now been announced will put essential working capital into these businesses at the time they will need it to enable them to successfully reopen.”
“With one in three households in Cornwall replying on tourism and hospitality for at least part of their income it is vital we support these businesses during these vital months.”
“I am pleased that the Chancellor has listened and come forward with this scheme. I will continue to do all I can to support businesses in Mid-Cornwall through this difficult time and beyond.”