District Councils Respond to Chancellor’s Statement

July 8 2020

Responding to the Chancellor’s statement today, Cllr Tom Beattie, Vice Chair of the District Councils’ Network, said:

“It is good the Chancellor has set out an ambitious plan to protect jobs and keep the economy moving.

“The coronavirus crisis has proved again that many challenges are best met head on locally. District councils have worked locally to help people and stabilise businesses through the local economy, delivering billions in business grants, keeping the planning system going, adapting our high streets, and helping the homeless and those experiencing hardship.

“The package announced today will be crucial for jobs and growth in the short term. We want to help maximise returns on this investment, and can play a lead role using our local connections into every business, college and family across our towns, cities and coastal and rural communities.

“There is much more to do, allowing us flexibility to get business grants out to those that need them, to protect leisure services, and to sustain local services. We look forward to continuing our work with the Government and partners on these issues, working together to build better lives and stronger economies.”