Emma Lewell-Buck
Main Page: Emma Lewell-Buck (Labour - South Shields)Department Debates - View all Emma Lewell-Buck's debates with the HM Treasury
Oral Answers to Questions
Emma Lewell-Buck Excerpts(4 years, 2 months ago)
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Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab)
What plans he has to provide additional economic support to areas affected by local covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement. [907759]
Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab)
What plans he has to provide additional economic support to areas affected by local covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement. [907774]
Afzal Khan (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab)
What plans he has to provide additional economic support to areas affected by local covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement. [907779]
Rishi Sunak
It is disappointing to hear the hon. Gentleman’s tone. It is obviously a very difficult time for many people in this country as we evolve our response to this virus, but what we need is people acting in a constructive spirit, and that is what my right hon. Friend the Communities Secretary is actively offering to do. I hope those conversations are happening as we speak.
Greater Manchester is being treated exactly the same as every part of our United Kingdom. These are national support schemes that have been put in place that help the most vulnerable in our society. The hon. Gentleman raised a number of questions. As he will know, there are national schemes to protect businesses, to protect employees and to provide support to his local authority.
Mrs Lewell-Buck
Repeated local lockdowns with no end in sight are killing our economy in South Shields. In the past lockdown, we received £26 million of support. I have been advised that the financial package offered to us this time, should we end up in tier 3, would be just over £1 million. Can the Chancellor confirm or deny that insulting amount?
Rishi Sunak
I am glad the hon. Lady recognises the economic damage that lockdowns do, which is why, when we had this debate last week, I did pose the question as to why the Opposition were suggesting a national lockdown with no end in sight without commenting on the damage that would do to people’s jobs and livelihoods. With respect to support for local authorities entering tier 3, as I have set out there is a national funding formula that provides a per capita amount to the local authority of up to £8 per head at the highest tier to provide support for local enforcement, compliance and track and trace. On top of that, there is support that the national Government provide for businesses that are closed. Their employees can be put on the job support scheme, and, in addition, my right hon. Friend the Communities Secretary can talk to local authorities about providing bespoke extra support as required.