Local high streets in market towns across Devon have benefited hugely from Small Business Grants and the Chancellor’s furlough scheme according to Central Devon MP Mel Stride as the latter continues to wind down.
The most recent statistics for Central Devon show 1,779 businesses and eligible organisations received the £10,000 Small Business Grant and 500 businesses also received the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Industry Grant, with the average payment being just over £16,000. During the pandemic 15,000 residents in Central Devon have benefited from the furlough scheme, with the majority of these now back at work.
Mr Stride, who chairs the influential House of Commons Treasury Select Committee, said:
“Where there have been gaps in support for businesses and individuals I have been very vocal in challenging the Government to do more. But overall it has to be said that the Chancellor has delivered huge and vital support to our high streets through grants and the furlough scheme.”
On top of these schemes, £92 million of finance has been made available to 2,500 businesses in Central Devon through Government-backed schemes such as Bounce Back loans.
