New figures have revealed the full extent of the Government’s support for local businesses, employees and the self-employed in the Tunbridge Wells constituency during the Covid-19 crisis.
As of 30 June, 13,400 workers benefited from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and 4,600 self-employed people through the Self-employment Income Scheme.
Businesses have also received considerable support, with more than 1,800 benefitting from government-backed Bounce Back Loans, 2,000 receiving cash grants of £25,000 and almost 1,000 businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure being given a year-long exemption from rates.
Greg said: “What these figures show is the unprecedented level of support provided by the Government during this time of crisis. I first called for the scheme that became the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in March and then pressed successfully for it to be extended to self-employed people.
“Together, these schemes have helped tens of thousands of my constituents, while thousands of businesses have been offered a valuable lifeline through grants, bounce back loans and business rate relief. However, we must acknowledge that this crisis is not yet over and many of my constituents will continue to struggle in the months ahead. I will continue to push for those who work in sectors that continue to be disproportionally impacted by Covid-19 to receive Government support during this tough time.”