Lewes MP welcomes latest figures showing support for businesses across district

Businesses have benefitted from £69,152,437 worth of loans since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, Mrs Caulfield said.

This includes 1,813 Bounce Back Loans – 100 per cent government-backed loans which are interest-free for the first 12 months – worth £51,297,358.

The scheme ensures that small firms who need vital cash injections to keep operating can get finance in a matter of days, with no repayments due during the first 12 months.

In addition, 81 loans have been offered in the Lewes constituency at a value of £17,855,079 through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme, Mrs Caulfield said.

This scheme has helped small and medium-sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £5million.

“This year has been hugely challenging for businesses in the Lewes constituency, but these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Conservative Government has put in place to protect livelihoods and businesses,” said Mrs Caulfield.

“Never has the Conservatives’ agenda to level up the whole county been so important – and we will continue to focus on supporting hardworking families across the Lewes constituency.”

Across the South East, a total of 175,946 Bounce Back Loans, worth £5,269,988,799, and 9,026 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, worth £2,154,703,689, have been provided to businesses to support businesses across all sectors, protecting jobs and livelihoods, Mrs Caulfield said.

The Chancellor also announced on Friday, October 16, that the government’s Job Support Scheme will be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses required to close their doors as a result of coronavirus restrictions, alongside increasing the cash grants to businesses in England required to shut in local lockdowns to support with fixed costs – worth up to £3,000 per month.

So far, the Government has provided more than £200billion throughout its economic response to coronavirus to support jobs and businesses in the UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “Our support for businesses and workers has provided a lifeline to employers up and down the country, supporting people to stay in jobs and protecting livelihoods.”

“We will build on this as we move to the next stage of our recovery through the Winter Economy Plan, which will continue to protect jobs and help businesses through the months ahead.”