Leader responds to Chancellor’s winter economy plan

The Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council has welcomed the broad thrust of the winter economy plan but has urged further support to be made available.

Councillor Mohammed Khan said in a statement:

We as a Council have been lobbying hard for extra support and funding for our residents and businesses especially those hardest hit by the local restrictions. Our businesses have suffered terribly as we had battled to get the virus under control. I am pleased to see the plan has received trade union support through the Trade Union Congress and from businesses so it is definitely a step in the right direction. I am looking forward to seeing more details. However, I would like the government go further as there are areas more support is definitely needed such as the creative arts industry, the self-employed and for those on universal credit.

Over the last few years, we have made lots of progress in developing our local economy and fostering growth, helping to create jobs and boost skills. Sadly, Covid has stalled some of that progress but I believe we can, with the right national support targeted in the right areas to get through this horrific period, get back on track. We will recover and we will beat this virus but there is a long way to go yet.