Millions handed out to Blackpool South businesses during the coronavirus crisis

From August employers have had to increase their share of contributions to that scheme.

But the Government has also handed out £7,700,000 to self-employed people in Blackpool South, which do not need to be paid back, to cover lost earnings.

Also, £40,073,705 has been paid out to local businesses in the form of Bounce Back Loans, which provides loans of up to £50,000 within days of an application.

Finally, £32,850,000 worth of grants has been handed out to businesses in Blackpool South, which do not need to be paid back.

In total, more than £160bn of taxpayer support has been provided to help individuals and businesses in all parts of the UK.

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton welcomed the financial support for business.

He said: “This year has been hugely challenging for people and businesses in Blackpool South, and these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Conservative Government has put in place to support lives and local livelihoods.

“As we now work to restart our economy, I have no doubt that the Government will continue to support people in our local community. Schemes such as the hugely popular Eat Out to Help Out are already proving a huge success at getting customers back into local businesses.”

While much of this support has been focused on supporting people through the immediate crisis, the Government set out the next phase of its economic response.

In June, the Prime Minister unveiled the New Deal for Britain – accelerating billions of pounds worth of infrastructure projects to get the country building and kickstart the economy – followed by the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs in July, which set out how the Government intends to create, protect and support jobs.