New statistics showing the huge Government support for individuals and businesses in the High Peak have been welcomed by local MP Robert Largan. 

Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government has provided a huge and unprecedented package of support to protect both lives and livelihoods. 

In total, more than £160 billion has been provided as part of the Government’s economic response. 

The latest statistics from the Treasury show the scale of that support in the High Peak:

•    13,200 people have had their job protected through the Job Retention Scheme, which has allowed employers to furlough workers while the Government has provided up to 80 per cent of their wages.

•    Self-employed people in the High Peak have accessed £10,000,000 worth of Government grants—which do not need to be paid back—to cover lost earnings.

•    £38,370,552 has been paid out to local businesses in the form of Bounce Back Loans, which provides loans of up to £50,000 within days of an application. 

•    £24,450,000 worth of grants have been handed out to businesses in High Peak, which do not need to be paid back. 

While much of this support has been focused on supporting people through the immediate crisis, the Government has recently set out the next phase of its economic response. 

In July, the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs set out how the Government intends to create, protect and support jobs in the months ahead, backed by up to £30 billion. 

Robert Largan MP commented:

“This year has been hugely challenging for people and businesses in the High Peak, and these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Government has put in place to support lives and local livelihoods.

“Schemes such as the hugely popular Eat Out to Help Out are already proving a huge success at getting customers back into local businesses. 

“It is time to give businesses the confidence to retain and hire, create jobs, and ensure young people have the opportunity of a better start.”