On Wednesday (4 November), local MP Robert Largan had a breakfast meeting with the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, to discuss the need for increased investment in the High Peak.
During their meeting, Robert raised important local projects, such as the need for urgent care centres at Stepping Hill Hospital and Tameside Hospital, upgrading the Hope Valley line, and building the Mottram Bypass.
The High Peak MP has been lobbying the Treasury throughout the pandemic to secure as much support as possible for High Peak families and businesses.
Earlier this week (3 November), Robert Largan MP raised Coronavirus Bounce Back Loans in Parliament, asking the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury:
“I welcome the extra support for the self-employed and the news that many of those who did not qualify for the initial furlough scheme will qualify under the extended scheme, but I want to ask the Minister about the bounce back loans, which have been a lifeline for so many businesses in my constituency. Back when they made the applications for those loans, businesses would not have foreseen that disruption would have gone on for so long, so can steps be taken to ensure that they can apply for top-ups to their initial loan and get through the difficult winter ahead?”
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury responded:
“In short, yes they can. My hon. Friend raises a valid point, which is that a number of businesses will have taken out loans for what they felt was their need at that time. Further restrictions have been placed on businesses, which is why we have extended the period for availability of loans to the end of the year. He is right about that, and I can provide him with that reassurance.”
Robert Largan MP commented:
“It is so important that the Government is able to give families and businesses in the High Peak the certainty they need to get through this winter. It is especially welcome that the Bounce Back Loan scheme has been made more flexible.
“We also have to prepare for the long-term recovery from the Coronavirus crisis. This means bringing more investment into the High Peak, delivering more and better services, building more and infrastructure that improve the lives of everyone in our local community.”
