‘No point just throwing money at businesses if people aren’t supported’

- Pratt

Waterford Councillor John Pratt, along with fellow Labour party members has called for supports for Waterford City and County to protect people and businesses after the move to Level Three restrictions.

The Tallow man has called for ‘swift action’ for Pandemic Unemployment Payments and renter protections to be restored and for bank repayment breaks to be extended.

“With the budget due in a week's time, we need certainty from the Government on a package of supports for Waterford now that our county is in Level 3 restrictions,” Cllr Pratt said.

As part of the budget proposals for this year, the Labour party is calling for committed financial support for people and businesses.

“As a priority the Pandemic Unemployment Payment should be restored to €350 per week and a commitment given from government to continued financial support throughout next year. We need to support our local businesses and communities,” he added.

They are also calling for a commitment from the Government to the extension of paid sick leave in the upcoming budget.

“We also need to see substantial resources committed to supporting those with disabilities and a dedicated package of mental health supports. This will be a difficult winter, but we must all fight the pandemic together,” Cllr Pratt said.

While business supports were called for, Cllr Pratt emphasised the need for the 2021 Budget to include public supports such as PUP and bans on evictions and rent increases.

“There is no point just throwing money at businesses if people, their customers aren't supported too, so we need a comprehensive package from the Government covering renters and social protection payments to stimulate the economy," he concluded.