Gedling Borough Council leaders have said the chancellor’s package of financial measures to support the economy during the coronavirus crisis today are ‘a welcome first step’ but have called for more support.
Gedling Borough Council leader John Clarke and deputy leader Michael Payne wrote to the Chancellor today asking for ‘urgent and significant financial support’ to protect the health, homes, families and livelihoods of residents and businesses in Gedling borough.
The residents & businesses we serve in Gedling need urgent & signicnant financial support to protect their health, homes, families & livelihoods as we all face the challenge of Coronavirus. The Chancellor must immediately introduce a substantial emergency fiscal stimulus package.
Earlier this evening, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a package of financial measures aimed at supporting the economy during the coronavirus crisis.
These include £330bn for companies to access loans, support for airlines, a business rates holiday, and help for small firms without insurance.
But in response, Cllr Michael Payne said more support was needed to help people and businesses in Gedling borough.
He told Gedling Eye: It’s a welcome first step but we urgently need specific measures.
“We need details on sick pay support for all workers and consideration should be given to a Council Tax holiday for six months that is fully funded by central government so that councils don’t lose vital funding to maintain essential public services but support is given directly to households across the UK.”
In a letter to the Chancellor sent out prior to today’s announcement, the leaders wrote: “We are already receiving numerous requests for support and assistance from those now facing financial uncertainty as a result of the spread of Coronavirus – residents and businesses need financial support now, without any further delay.
“There is now clearly an urgent need for the government to introduce a significant and substantial emergency fiscal stimulus package to ensure that all our local businesses receive the financial support they need to avoid collapse or closure.
“Protection for our residents’ incomes and homes throughout the difficult period ahead must also be a key part of the much-needed emergency government fiscal stimulus package – no one should be left in a position of having to choose between their health and eating or their health and home.
“We also urge you to take urgent action to introduce an emergency government fiscal stimulus package that is commensurate to the immense scale of this challenge the significant pressure this pandemic is placing on our residents, our businesses and our economy.”
