More funding announced for Cornwall Airport Newquay in Chancellor's Budget

The money has been described as a welcome boost

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 3rd Mar 2021

More funding has been announced for Cornwall Airport Newquay in the Chancellor's Budget.

Rishi Sunak says the UK's economic recovery from coronavirus will be quicker than previously thought - but it'll still take "a long time" to rebuild.

Part of his announcement included airports being able to apply for additional funding to cover the equivalent of a further six months of their business rates.

That means Newquay Airport will see another ÂŁ250,000 of funding which has been described as a welcome boost.

"I campaigned hard for the original support announced for airports last year, and am pleased to see the Government confirm it is continuing this support by allowing airports to apply for the equivalent of another six months of support.

"This will provide another ÂŁ250,000 of funding for Cornwall Airport Newquay, which I am sure will be a welcome boost as we look to recover from this pandemic.

"Our local airport is vital to our Cornish economy, as are regional airports across the country. I will continue to do all I can to push for continued support for airports and aviation in general, which will be vital as we look to bounce back strongly from the pandemic."

St Austell and Newquay MP, Steve Double

The Chancellor says that the South West will benefit from certainty in the months ahead due to his Budget.

His announcements also include an extension to the furlough scheme and to the 20-pound-per-week uplift to Universal Credit, the minimum wage will increase to 8-pounds-91 an hour from April, business rate holidays for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will continue until the end of June, all alcohol duties will be frozen and the planned increase in fuel duty has also been cancelled.

Plymouth is one of eight new freeport sites and it's hoped that will help to boost jobs and investment.

You can find everything you need to know here.

“Today’s Budget provides certainty in the months ahead for the people of the South West – with the cut in VAT to 5% for the hospitality, accommodation and tourism sectors, Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and furlough scheme all being extended through to September.

“I was also delighted to confirm that Plymouth Freeport was successful in the Freeports bidding process – bringing jobs, opportunity and investment to the region.

“This support is complemented by other measures in today’s Budget – and the more than £350billion we have invested since the start of the pandemic to protect millions of jobs and businesses.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak

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