Bassetlaw MP calls on people to support Chancellor's ambitious plans to kick-start economy

We need to be ambitious and positive about our recovery and do whatever it takes to help drive this.

Last week, for example, we promoted Independents’ Day to support local retailers and I had the pleasure of visiting a number of local businesses in Worksop.

We discussed my campaign to introduce one hour’s free parking and how we can help to build on the support already offered by the Government.

I also managed a cheeky pint in the Queen’s Head, which was my first in a pub for nearly four months.

In an article on July 3, the leader of Bassetlaw District Council stated that it was ‘disappointing that calls upon Government for extra financial support have fallen on deaf ears’.

I would take issue with this, as I believe the Government has gone above and beyond to support local businesses.

Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic more than 12,000 people in Bassetlaw have been furloughed, which has meant the Government funding 80 per cent of their salaries.

Bassetlaw also received £28.84 million in small business grants and a further £1.18 million in discretionary business grants.

On top of this, it has provided the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme (CBILS) and Bounce Back Loans, guaranteed by the Government.

Additionally, for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, it provided business rates holidays for the entire tax year, meaning businesses in Bassetlaw alone received £11.9 million in rates relief.

The Government has also supported councils with additional funding to help cover shortfalls due to increased costs and loss of income due to the Coronavirus.

In total then, Bassetlaw has received around £44.1 million in government funding since the start of the crisis.

I have been lobbying for Bassetlaw to get its fair share since the very start and I still want to make sure it is able to get the flood defences and town centre regeneration it needs.

Brendan Clarke-Smith is MP for Bassetlaw.