Lockdown: Cornwall Council pledges to lobby government and support residents
Officials want £28m to help struggling local businesses
Cornwall Council is pledging to lobby the government and support residents as a second national coronavirus lockdown is announced.
Officials say that although they welcome the government’s commitment to extend the current furlough scheme, they will be lobbying hard for urgent extra support and is concerned the timing of the lockdown will hit Cornwall’s economy hard.
The Council is asking that the £28m of government money it is currently unable to spend is freed up so it can provide urgently needed support to the businesses who will be most affected by these new measures.
While the number of positive cases in Cornwall remains relatively low, the Council says that action needs to be taken now to control the virus and save lives especially as the health system starts to face winter pressures.
“Despite having a lower number of cases than in other parts of the country, positive cases are rising in Cornwall and it is crucial we play our part to stop this trend.
“This is a significant moment where our individual actions can help save lives, and we urge the people of Cornwall to understand that their support is hugely important.”
Cornwall Council Leader, Councillor Julian German
“The economic impact of a four-week lockdown will be greater than it needed to have been for a shorter, circuit-breaker of a fortnight. For Cornwall, whose economy has been hit harder than most, this is a bitter pill to swallow.
“Our businesses and workers now face an extremely challenging winter and we will be lobbying hard for urgent financial hardship support for them.
"We are also calling on Government to let us do our bit for struggling businesses in Cornwall by allowing us to use £28m of unspent Government finance held here, to give grants to 3,300 businesses who did not get any money at all in the previous grant rounds.”
Councillor Tim Dwelly, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for culture, economy and planning
“We hope Government uses this opportunity to accelerate the development of Track & Trace so that we can feel confident that it is fit for purpose and can effectively control infection.
“We want our residents to know that we are here to support them and anyone who is struggling financially or is needing support in accessing food and essential supplies or if they are feeling anxious about the new measures, please get in touch with us and we will work with our partners to help and support you.”
Councillor Sally Hawken, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for children, wellbeing and public health
For more information on support in Cornwall during the pandemic see www.cornwall.gov.uk/coronavirus.