Supporting Business During Covid

As part of its 'Backing Local Business' campaign, the Warrington Guardian asked for a comment from former Council Leader Cllr Ian Marks on the response from the Government and the Council to the pandemic.

The Government acted quickly to support businesses. This was welcome given its free market instincts. There was cross-party consensus that the state had to use its powers, finances and authority to avert an economic catastrophe. However spraying money all over the place was easy. How the country emerges from the crisis is far more difficult with widespread fears about second waves. The economy will struggle to recover for a long while and every day sees more businesses closing down and jobs being lost.

It is estimated that 10% of the workforce has been excluded from support schemes. Losers are the newly-self-employed, PAYE freelancers and the self-employed who have earned more than £50,000 profits. Furlough must remain open to businesses in areas with new stricter restrictions or local lockdown.

In Warrington, Council officers led by the Chief Executive have done a great job in responding to various government initiatives. Multi-agency working has been a success in combating COVID 19. Financial support has been given to a range of businesses like the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. Whether this is sufficient to ensure long-term survival is another matter, but at least it has given them breathing space.