Burnley and Pendle MPs vow to 'level up and build back better' following pandemic
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As part of the Government’s commitments to fund the nation’s priorities, the Spending Review confirmed more money for schools, meaning every pupil in the Burnley and Pendle will see a year-on-year funding increase of at least 2%.
Burnley and Pendle have experienced some of the tightest restrictions since the beginning of the pandemic, placing a huge strain on local businesses, in particular the leisure and hospitality industry, with fears growing that both areas will once again be placed the most severe Tier 3 restrictions once the national lockdown ends next week.
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Hide AdOther commitments in the Spending Review announced yesterday include a further £55m. to help with the response to coronavirus – including £18 billion for mass testing, Test and Trace, PPE and vaccines, and £3 billion to support NHS recovery.
Mr Higginbotham said: "We are starting to see an end in sight to the Coronavirus pandemic, with a vaccine closer than ever and mass testing rolling-out across Lancashire to support us in the meantime. But we know the economic situation is far less certain and needs a clear and coordinated response.
“The Spending Review announced by the Chancellor tackles this unprecedented situation head on – prioritising the protection of lives and livelihoods in Burnley and Padiham in the weeks and months ahead, as we get through this period.
“At the same time, I was elected at last year’s General Election on a commitment to level up areas like ours, and I am very pleased that this Conservative Government is now making good on that promise – by delivering a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure that will create jobs, grow the economy and increase pride in the place we call home.
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Hide Ad"The Levelling Up Fund is particularly welcome. This will ensure that the schemes we need locally to drive forward our economic growth and build back better from Covid-19, can access the necessary funding.”
The new Levelling Up Fund, worth £4 billion will help to build the infrastructure of everyday life, according to the Government.
Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “While the health emergency facing our country is not yet over, the economic emergency has only just begun.
“The Chancellor’s Spending Review tackles this unprecedented situation head on – ensuring lives and livelihoods in Pendle are protected and supported in the weeks and months ahead."
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