Council leader’s plea to government over latest lockdown restrictions

Bolton Council’s leader has called on the Government to match support for the town’s struggling hospitality sector to previous levels, following further lockdown restrictions announced this week.

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, imposed tighter measures on Tuesday after the town recorded the highest level of coronavirus cases in the country – 120 per 100,000 people.

The crackdown, which took effect immediately, included orders for food and drink businesses, including restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, to be restricted to takeaway only, an effective curfew on opening hours from 10pm to 5am, and a ban on people socialising with anyone outside their own household in any setting, even outdoors.

Cllr David Greenhalgh has welcomed the latest government announcement of financial grants for businesses that have closed under the new restrictions.

But he is urging the Government to ensure Bolton’s hospitality sector will benefit to the same amount as under the previous furlough arrangements of 80%.

The treasury announced yesterday (September 9) that businesses which have had to close will be able to claim £1,500 grant every three weeks, and smaller firms can claim £1,000.

Cllr Greenhalgh said: “We want to do everything we can to protect local jobs and help Bolton businesses.

“We recognise the enormous hardship faced by everyone working in the hospitality sector and I am pleased that the Government has announced some support.

“However, we want to ensure that businesses will be no worse off in this scheme than under the original furlough arrangements

“We will be looking into the finer detail of this scheme and continuing to press the Government to do the right thing for our businesses.”

He added: “Many of our favourite pubs, cafés and restaurants were only just beginning to welcome customers back when these new measures were introduced.

“Many took on board the restrictions and showed great innovation in welcoming back their customers into a safe and socially distanced environment.

“We want to ensure they get as much help and support as possible.”

Under the existing furlough scheme up to 70% of wages will be paid by the Government, reducing to 60% in October.

Businesses can claim from the scheme if they have previously furloughed the employee for three consecutive weeks between March 1, and June 30, and submitted their claim before July 31.

They can only put new claims in for staff who are a military reservist or those returning from statutory parental leave.

The council will communicate information about the new grants once further information is available.

The latest restrictions will be under constant review with the Government on an ongoing basis.