Responding to the Budget 2020, Mid Yorkshire Chamber Managing Director Martin Hathaway said:
“In a Budget that was dominated by the Government’s response to coronavirus, we welcome the support announced for small businesses, although as usual, the devil may well be in the detail.
“The refunding of statutory sick pay paid out to employees for up to 14 days for businesses with fewer than 250 staff will be well received, as will the new coronavirus business interruption loan scheme which will offer loans of up to £1.2m – as long as it is accessible by viable businesses most in need.
“Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s promises of providing a £3,000 cash grant to the 700,000 businesses who are currently eligible for small business rates relief will be a real boost. The Mid Yorkshire Chamber has been calling for a full review of the rates system for a number of years, so it is good to hear that a review is now to be undertaken. The areas that have been affected by the recent flooding will be keen to see the £120 million to repair flood defences spent as soon as possible.
“The news that a devolution deal in West Yorkshire has at long last been agreed today with a directly-elected Mayor accountable for the West Yorkshire region is a breakthrough. It will see the region get an elected mayor in May 2021 and access to a £4.2bn pot of “London-style funding settlements”. The deal gives us real power to work with the Combined Authority and LEP and make the spending choices to help West Yorkshire thrive.”