North East leaders react to Tier 2 business support

Leaders of seven North East local authorities, as well as the North of Tyne mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner have issued a statement in reaction to the announcement made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak today.

Newcastle Civic Centre

The Chancellor announced financial support packages for businesses, including those outside the ‘Very High’ COVID alert level, giving support to those operating the ‘High’ tier including those in the North East.

Businesses in affected areas will be eligible for cash grants of up to £2,100 a month. He also announced changes to the Job Support Scheme and additional help for self-employed workers.

North East leaders said: "We welcome today's announcements and have lobbied for additional support for businesses, so we are pleased the Chancellor has listened.

“While we await full details, this package recognises the ongoing difficulties businesses are facing and extra financial support was needed regardless of the level of restrictions in place.

“We now need to be given the resources to process cash grants in a timely manner for businesses in High Alert Level (Tier 2) regions that, despite being able to remain open, are under huge financial constraints as the Chancellor himself recognised.

“It remains to be seen what impact the grants, as well as the revised jobs support scheme and contributions to the self-employed, will have and we will continue to do our upmost to make sure residents and businesses in all sectors get the support they need.

“It is our hope that today’s announcement offers some comfort to businesses and workers who have persevered remarkably during the pandemic, and we once again thank everyone for continuing to comply with the regulations and guidance.”

Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader of Newcastle City Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council
Cllr Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council
Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader of Durham County Council
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner