We are coming up to two years since the Coronavirus reached Europe.  This time has undoubtedly been hard for many of us, but I am increasingly optimistic that while the next few weeks will be difficult, that this year will see a much greater improvement. 

Support for jobs and the economy from our Conservative government has been at an unprecedented level, with literally millions of jobs saved through the very successful Furlough scheme. Support for businesses has also been very welcome and I’m pleased to see further government help announced for those businesses affected during this Omicron wave.  

Our world-leading vaccination programme and testing, mask wearing, and people wisely exercising caution, has meant that no further restrictions have been needed at this stage.  This is limiting damage to people’s livelihoods and helping our economy to recover.  The further simplification of testing requirements has also given a boost to aviation and travel, which is very welcome here in Crawley due to how many livelihoods depend on Gatwick Airport.  

However, we know there is an impact on many businesses so the newly announced grant scheme will provide a lifeline to firms in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.  Additionally, more than £100 million worth of discretionary funding is also being made available for councils to support other businesses.

Local authorities will have discretion to allocate this funding to businesses most in need, with Crawley Borough Council dispensing the grants locally.  This £1 billion support package consists of £635 million for targeted grants for hospitality and leisure businesses in England, £102 million top-up for the Additional Restrictions Grant and £30 million for Culture Recovery Fund, with funding for the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate scheme being in addition to these. amounts.  One-off grants of up to £6,000 for eligible businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors will depend on rateable value.

I believe the decision to stick to the current Plan B measures as opposed to implementing another damaging lockdown will be vindicated as the year progresses, with 2022 being the year that we bounce back and get our economy strong again.    

Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group

12th January 2022