Theresa May vows to fully reimburse Manchester for costs incurred following terror attack

Andy Burnham is among those welcoming the U-turn.

Published 27th Nov 2017

It's been confirmed that Manchester will be fully reimbursed for the costs incurred by the terror attack at The Arena.

Theresa May has changed her mind just days after saying the city would only get what she deemed a "reasonable" amount back.

Now, she's released a statement saying a task force had been set up within the Cabinet Office to oversee progress on meeting the costs.

She said: "The terror attack in Manchester was one of the darkest moments in the city's history.

"Twenty two people were killed in a brutal act of hatred deliberately aimed at innocent children on what should have been one of the best nights of their young lives.

"In the hours, days and weeks that followed the Arena bombing, the spirit of Manchester shone out in defiance of an attack designed to destroy lives and devastate a community.''

She added: "I promised in the wake of that appalling atrocity this Government would do all it could to help victims recover and the city to heal.

"I repeat that commitment today.

"Where your public services have had to bear, or will bear, unexpected and exceptional costs in coping with this terrible attack, these will be met by the Government.

"The process of making those payments is on-going and I understand the frustration felt at the pace of delivery.

"So I have taken steps to speed up our response.

"Over the weekend a task force has been established within the Cabinet Office to oversee progress and expedite payments when necessary.

"It will co-ordinate the cross Government response, pulling together the work of the Home Office, the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Department of Health and the Ministry of Justice.

"Not all the funding will be needed immediately.

"For example the inquests, opened and adjourned this month, will not begin until next June.

"Be in no doubt, however, Manchester will get the financial support it needs, and if that costs ÂŁ28 million, as Andy Burnham has estimated, then that is what we will make available.''

Andy Burnham has responded to the announcement - welcoming the U-turn on Twitter.