New statistics showing the huge Government support to individuals and businesses in Bexhill and Battle constituency have been welcomed by local MP, Huw Merriman.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Conservative Government has provided a huge and unprecedented package of support to protect both lives and livelihoods through this incredibly challenging period. In total, more than £160 billion has been provided as part of the Government’s economic response to coronavirus, and the latest statistics from the Treasury now show the scale of that support in Bexhill and Battle:

• 12,100 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 Bexhill and Battle have accessed £16,100,000 worth of Government grants, which do not need to be paid back, to cover lost earnings.

• £53,859,495 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.

• £24,338,250.00 worth of grants has been handed out to businesses in Bexhill and Battle, which do not need to be paid back.

This unprecedented package of support comes on top of the 7,376 of loans offered to businesses across the South East, worth £1,585,052,125

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 June, the Prime Minister unveiled the New Deal for Britain – accelerating billions of pounds worth of infrastructure projects to get the country building and kickstart the economy – followed by the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs in July, which set out how the Government intends to create, protect and support jobs in the months ahead, backed by up to £30 billion.

Commenting, Huw said:

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

“As we now work to restart our economy, I have no doubt that the Government will continue to support people in our local community. I am getting out and about on my bike visiting businesses right across the constituency to hear their experiences first-hand. I am pleased to see that schemes such as the popular Eat Out to Help Out are already proving a huge success at getting customers back into local businesses.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:

“I recently set out the government’s next steps towards economic recovery and securing the UK’s long-term prosperity in our Plan for Jobs.  As we embark on this next phase, the latest figures demonstrate that we are continuing to support jobs, incomes, and businesses across every part of the UK.”