At the start of this pandemic, the Government said it would do whatever it takes to support our individuals and communities throughout the pandemic.
In Rutland and Melton, over 18,000 people and over 3,000 businesses have accessed support including over £110 Million in loans and grants*.
That means:
- 14,400 people helped through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- 4,000 self-employed people received £12,600,000 through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
- 2,000 business grants paid, totalling more than £23 million
- At least 127 businesses helped by the discretionary grant scheme, totalling more than £700,000
- 1,816 loans, totalling more than £74 million.
Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns said:
“It is clear that this Government is here for Rutland and Melton and it delivered for Rutland and Melton at our darkest time. We will always stand by business, because that’s how we support families - ensuring jobs are there to come back to so that families have security, choice and opportunity. I am proud to have fought hard for the discretionary grant fund and pleased to see it benefit my constituents.”
The grants and loans have also made a big difference to self-employed people. Rutland based driving instructor Lisa Tapp said:
“After a very stressful 3 months of unsuccessfully trying to obtain a government funded Bounce back loan, I contacted my local MP Alicia Kearns. She was a great help to me, she wrote to my bank on my behalf and I was then able to re-apply and was successful with my application. She has been a lifeline to me. The Government funded, bounce back loan has enabled me to keep my business afloat. After nearly 4 months of not being able to operate my driving tuition school, due to Covid-19. It has taken away the worry and stress of my financial hardship and I can now concentrate on building my business back up again. Without this, I don’t know what I would have done.
Hugh Brown, director of the Melton Mowbray Cattle Market, home to many of Melton Mowbray’s most popular local businesses, said:
“A combination of the grants and reliefs plus the dedication of our staff and loyalty of our customers has enabled us to weather the coronavirus storm so far. We are very grateful for the support of our local council and MP, especially in securing assistance for businesses within the market that did not have separate rateable values.”
Atkinson, the owner of The Grainstore Brewery, which produces one of Rutland and Melton’s three Geographically Protected food and drinks, Rutland Bitter, said:
‘We have been delighted to see the support that both the local councils and our local MP have provided to business in both Rutland and Melton. Many small and medium sized businesses in our area would have struggled to reopen had this support not been received. The Grainstore Brewery itself has accessed both a Business loan and after help from Alicia Kearns MP, was able to access a grant, without either of which the brewery, it’s Tap Bar and it’s fine range of National Award winning Ales would certainly have been under threat. Whilst certainly not out of the woods yet, we look forward to their continued efforts and support in the months ahead.’
However, the Government will not be resting. Over the last few weeks the Government has announced plans to invest in schools, infrastructure and health, promising billions in new spending to restart our economy. The Eat Out to Help Out scheme will also provide real support to our high street businesses.
Alicia Kearns MP said
‘The support our businesses have received in Rutland and Melton has been vital to keep people afloat in this difficult time. Now, I am working harder than ever with central government, local businesses and local councils to energise our recovery and make sure that businesses are able to re-open and grow as we leave lockdown. If we all pull together, we can make Rutland and Melton an even more prosperous and dynamic place to live’
ENDS
*Not including Harborough District Council statistics
