Covid-19 funding for peninsula tops £1.1bn

THE South West has received more than £1.1 billion in Government support to help the region through the coronavirus pandemic, latest figures show.

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has benefited from £444.22million, including £391.90m to support businesses.

Devon has received £456.65m, of which £396.52m has gone to businesses.

Separately, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has also received funding.

The money includes direct support for local authorities, emergency funding to support rough sleepers, business rates relief, grants for small business and support for local transport systems.

The communities secretary,

Robert Jenrick, said the Government had kept its pledge to ensure councils and communities had the resources they need to respond to the coronavirus.

“Council workers across the country are working tirelessly to ensure this support gets to where it needs to be, helping local people and businesses to navigate this difficult period,” he said.

“They are the unsung heroes of this crisis and we are all incredibly grateful for the huge contribution they are making to their communities.”

Truro and Falmouth Conservative MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: “I am pleased that this Government continues to recognise Cornwall and our unique needs as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is an unprecedented response to difficult times and I will continue to do all I can to work with colleagues to ensure Cornwall gets its fair share of moneys available as the Government continues to monitor and review the support packages.”

Somerset has received £ 474.27m (£399.47m for businesses) and Dorset £456.65m (£396.52m for businesses, the official figures show.

The Government region of the South West, which also includes Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, has received just under £3bn.

Devon has received the largest amount, with Cornwall and Isles of Scilly third in the table for the South West.