Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has welcomed new statistics showing the huge Government support to individuals and businesses in Wealden.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Government has provided an unprecedented package of support to protect both lives and livelihoods through this incredibly challenging period. In total, more than £160 billion has been provided as part of the Government’s economic response to coronavirus, and the latest statistics from the Treasury show the scale of that support in Wealden:
- 13,900 people have had their job protected through the Job Retention Scheme, which has allowed employers to furlough workers while the Government has provided up to 80% of their wages.
- Self-employed people in Wealden have accessed £18,400,000 worth of Government grants, which do not need to be paid back, to cover lost earnings.
- £60,603,986 has been paid out to local businesses in the form of Bounce Back Loans, which provides loans of up to £50,000 within days of an application.
- £26,903,000 worth of grants has been handed out to businesses in Wealden, which do not need to be paid back.
- In total, more than £160 billion of Government support has been provided to help individuals and businesses in all parts of the UK.
This unprecedented package of support comes on top of the 7,376 of loans offered to businesses across the South East, worth £1,585,052,125.
While much of this support has been focused on supporting people through the immediate crisis, the Government has recently set out the next phase of its economic response. In June, the Prime Minister unveiled the New Deal for Britain, accelerating billions of pounds worth of infrastructure projects to get the country building and kickstart the economy. This was followed by the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs in July, which set out how the Government intends to create, protect and support jobs in the months ahead, backed by up to £30 billion.
Nus Ghani said: “This year has been hugely challenging for people and businesses in Wealden, and these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Government has put in place to support lives and local livelihoods. As we now work to restart our economy, I welcome the Government's commitment to continue to support people in our local community, giving businesses the confidence to retain and hire, create jobs and ensure young people have the opportunity of a better start in Wealden.”
