Leader and MP clash over claim of support ‘delays’

HYNDBURN’S council leader has rejected claims by MP Sara Britcliffe that local authority grant processing ‘delays’ are “spreading fear and worry”.

The party political groups have presented a largely united public front during the pandemic, but clashed after the MP wrote to Coun Parkinson raising concerns of local small businesses, and urging the council to “crack on” with the roll-out of support during the second Covid-19 lockdown.

In a letter sent to the council, Miss Britcliffe also pushed the council to spend the £1.62 million of extra discretionary funding to support businesses quickly. She proposed it should also be used to support firms which have not benefitted directly from previous Government grants.

The MP said: “I have made clear to Labour controlled Hyndburn Borough Council that any delay in getting that support out is simply unacceptable residents and businesses who are relying on their help. Their delay in setting things up is causing many businesses to worry they are not going to be included at all. Quite understandably it’s spreading fear and worry. I hope all local councillors will be pressing the council to target this support and crack on.”

In response Coun Parkinson insisted there had been no delays.

He said: “I share Sara’s concern that whilst many businesses have been helped by the various Government schemes, a significant amount have not been eligible for the previous support grants.

“The funds for Tier 3 and National Lockdown support grants were received from The Government on Friday 13 November and on this date, we paid 28 businesses who had completed our already live application process (opened 2 November). The National lockdown application process also opened 10 November and 120 applications were processed for payment on 16 November.

“This incredibly quick processing from Hyndburn Borough Council is a testament to the team who are working tirelessly to get vital support to as many businesses as possible. We are working to support as many businesses as possible and there have been no delays in issuing any funds we have received.

“As a council we were recognised by The Government as one of the top 3 in England for our speed and efficiency in issuing the first lot of business grants and we will continue to work to this high standard. Our performance as a District Council, in terms of getting money to businesses, compared to the performance of Government Departments in doing the same, has also been significantly quicker, despite the disparity between resources of the two organisations. I want to take this opportunity to thank every individual working hard to issue these vital funds and also thank our local Hyndburn business community who have been understanding and patient throughout the process.”