Covid-19: Economic Package Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Covid-19: Economic Package

Andrew Gwynne Excerpts
Tuesday 12th May 2020

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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Returning to the north-west, let us hear from Andrew Gwynne.

Andrew Gwynne Portrait Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab) [V]
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Although I welcome the announcement on furlough, the Chancellor knows that the Government’s covid response would have completely stalled without local government, yet our councils are now financially on the brink. The extra funding does not cover all the costs, which is something that Ministers promised. Will he ensure that our councils are fully reimbursed for all covid-related costs and lost income and protect the sector that has protected us?

Rishi Sunak Portrait Rishi Sunak
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In a moment of nostalgia, let me say that the hon. Gentleman and I have a shared passion for local government and an admiration for the work that they do, and I know that he will remain an advocate of theirs. They have been provided with more than £3 billion of extra support. Of course, we are in constant dialogue with local government, whether in social care or others, to ensure that they get the financial resources that they need.