New statistics showing the huge Government support to individuals and businesses in Rugby & Bulkington have been welcomed by local MP Mark Pawsey.

The most recent figures, showing the unprecedented level of Government support throughout the coronavirus outbreak, have revealed that over 14,400 jobs have been supported through the coronavirus job retention scheme within the constituency. In addition, £8.7 million has been provided to self-employed workers through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and local businesses have benefitted from £16.5 million worth of grants.

While the majority 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 which has brought forward billions of pounds of infrastructure projects to get the country building and kickstart the economy. Some of this funding has already delivered for Rugby with the announcement of £2million to support the Caldecott Square regeneration scheme. This announcement was followed by the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs in July, which set out how the Government will help to create, protect and support jobs in the months ahead, backed by a further £30 billion.

Commenting on these announcements, Mark said:

“This year has been hugely challenging for people and businesses in Rugby and Bulkington and no one could have foreseen the impact which coronavirus has had on us all. However, the Government has stepped up and these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support which has been put in place to support lives and protect livelihoods.”

Mark continued:

“Now we must turn our attention to restarting our economy and I have no doubt that the Government will continue to support people in our local community. Schemes such as the hugely popular Eat Out to Help Out are already proving a huge success at getting customers back into local businesses.”

Mark concluded:

“I am committed to delivering on the agenda the Conservatives set out to level up the country and this has never been more important in the wake of coronavirus. The policies the Government is bringing forward will give businesses the confidence to create jobs, retain existing staff and help to grow our economy.”