The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP, has today announced an ambitious and comprehensive budget to ensure that the country can emerge from the pandemic on a sound economic footing. Within it, there are many new policies and financial support across the entire economy, which will benefit everyone in Telford directly.
Lucy Allan MP has welcomed the budget, saying that:
“This ambitious budget has a huge amount for Telford residents in it.
I am particularly pleased that the Chancellor will be extending furlough to the end of September, ensuring that jobs and livelihoods are protected in Telford. Whilst the roadmap to recovery anticipates that we will be able to return to normal life far sooner than that, it is important to remember that the economy will not immediately return to its pre-pandemic state. Crucially, to ensure momentum for the vaccination programme, the budget also allocates some £1.65 billion in additional funding to ensure we can offer a first dose to every adult by 31st July. This builds on the amazing success of the local rollout.
It is especially important for Telford residents that the Chancellor has recognised the necessity to focus on the post-pandemic recovery as we emerge from one of the most difficult economic periods in our history. It will be of great relief to many of the self-employed in Telford who were previously unable to access support to hear they will now be able to receive Government support, based on the submission of their tax returns.
Furthermore, the new ‘restart grants’, which will be distributed from next month and are worth up to £18,000 per business will support gyms, personal care, hotels, restaurants and shops. I am very pleased to see the Chancellor’s commitment to supporting those sectors most affected by lockdown – this is vitally important for Telford’s retail, leisure and hospitality sectors – the heart of our local economy and which employ so many young people.
It is also very welcome to see that an additional £300 million will be allocated to top up the Cultural Recovery Fund to protect our heritage from the worst impacts of the pandemic. In Telford, this fund has been used to great effect by the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, ensuring they will be ready to welcome visitors back to the Gorge as soon as possible.”
