Oral Answers to Questions

James Daly Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

[James Daly (Bury North) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Mark Eastwood (Dewsbury) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to support businesses during the covid-19 pandemic.

--- Later in debate ---

[James Daly [V]]

Many councils, including my own in Bury, retain millions of pounds of additional restrictions grant moneys in their bank accounts, rather than distributing this crucial financial support to businesses in need. What steps can my hon. Friend take to ensure that these moneys are used to support businesses now?

[Paul Scully]

I thank my hon. Friend for all the work that he does for his local businesses. At the Budget, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced £425 million of additional restrictions grant funding to local authorities, which means that more than £2 billion has been made available to local authorities since November 2020. The Government will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure that these grants are distributed to businesses when they need them and that the additional money can be used. I urge authorities to relook at their local policies to include businesses that have not had that support in the past.