MP pushes Government to provide financial support for places put in local lockdown

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has urged Government and NHS bosses to provide financial support for jobs and businesses in areas that are placed in local lockdown.

During a call with MPs and Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Chair of NHS Improvement Dido Harding, Tim asked: "Given we want people to be compliant when we have localised lockdowns, we don't want people knowing that if they are compliant they will face further financial ruin on top of the hardship they've already lived through.

"So, what financial support will the Government give to businesses and workers in locked down areas?"

However, neither Matt Hancock nor Dido Harding addressed Tim's concerns when replying to the questions from MPs.

Speaking afterwards, Tim said: "I'm incredibly disappointed that the issue of financial support during local lockdowns was completely ignored.

"We've seen a worrying spike in cases in Carlisle - if we end up in a lockdown in areas of Cumbria in the coming months with businesses forced to close their doors as the furlough scheme tapers out, then this could spell a complete disaster for jobs and businesses that are already on the edge.

"Local lockdowns are really important in preventing the spread of the virus but they simply will not work unless that financial support is there."