People living and working across Cornwall will benefit from today’s Budget as the Government deliver on the promises made to the British people, investing in infrastructure, the NHS and public services across the region, while also taking steps needed to ready the country for the possible impact of the COIVD-19 Pandemic.
The plans, outlined by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, will get things done and provide security for now while laying the foundation for prosperity in the future.
Commenting, Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay said:
“Obviously today’s Budget is overshadowed by the continuing COVID-19 issue and the steps the Government is taking to deal with it.”
“I was pleased to see the Chancellor announce that whatever extra resources the NHS needs to cope with COVID-19 it will get, whether that be millions or billions.”
Measures include
- Statutory sick pay will be available for all those who are advised to self-isolate – even if they don’t have symptoms. 111 will also be able to provide sick notes rather than needing to go to GP
- Temporarily removing the minimum income floor for universal credit, and requirement to visit a jobcentre also dropped – can now complete whole process over the phone
- £500 million hardship fund given to local authorities for vulnerable people in their area
- For businesses with fewer than 250 employees, statutory sick pay for up to 14 days off will be reimbursed by the government.
- New temporary coronavirus disruption loan scheme, with government covering 80% of loans up to £1.2 million from banks to tide SME over
Looking at other headlines from today’s Budget, Steve said:
“I am sure many small and medium businesses in Cornwall in the retail, leisure and hospitality industries will join me in being pleased to see the announcement that business rates will be abolished for businesses in these sectors with a rateable value below £51,000.entirely for this year – over half of UK businesses and a much greater percentage of our business community in Cornwall.”
This applies not only to shops, cinemas, restaurants and music venues as promised in the Conservative Manifesto, but also museums, art galleries, theatres, caravan parks, gyms, small hotels, B&Bs, sports clubs, night clubs, clubhouses and guest houses.
Steve said:
“I also welcome the Chancellor’s promise of a £3,000 cash grant per business for any firm that is currently eligible for the small business rates relief – a £2 billion cash injection for 700,000 small businesses. Again this will give a massive boost to so many of the small businesses that make up the lifeblood of our Cornish economy.”
“Last year’s election gave a clear verdict. Now this Government is delivering a Budget which delivers on our promises to the British people – it is a Budget of a government that gets things done.”