In recent months, I’ve been making sure that local businesses and High Streets have the support they need to bounce back from the pandemic. This is a key part of my plan for our area.
New figures have shown the extent of the government’s backing for local businesses. The final numbers for the Bounce Back and Business Interruption loan schemes, which have now closed, show that over £220m was made available to Elmbridge businesses. The latest figures for the various government-funded grant schemes, meanwhile, show that local businesses have received £48m.
This is in addition to the support provided by the furlough and self-employment schemes. Cumulatively, almost 21,000 local jobs have been protected by the furlough scheme, while 5,600 Elmbridge residents have claimed over £55m through the self-employment scheme.
Together, this support is helping Elmbridge to recover from Coronavirus and bounce back.