Economic Update Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Economic Update

Baroness Blackstone Excerpts
Tuesday 12th January 2021

(3 years, 10 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Agnew of Oulton Portrait Lord Agnew of Oulton (Con) [V]
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My Lords, I do not have an update on the response that the noble Earl received last week, but we will of course notify the House as soon as any is issued.

Baroness Blackstone Portrait Baroness Blackstone (Ind Lab)
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My Lords, it is clear that there are gaps in support, with some groups having had no help since the first lockdown began, which can only widen inequality. What is being done to change this and when will more support for these groups be provided?

Lord Agnew of Oulton Portrait Lord Agnew of Oulton (Con) [V]
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My Lords, we have used such instruments as discretionary funding support for local authorities. We have just given an additional £500 million to enable them to fill gaps, for example, in the small business community, where hardship is being experienced. We remain alert to any other pockets of the economy where we feel we may be able to assist.