Burnley and Pendle MPs vow to 'level up and build back better' following pandemic

As part of the Government’s commitments to fund the nation’s priorities, the Spending Review confirmed more money for schools, meaning every pupil in the Burnley and Pendle will see a year-on-year funding increase of at least 2%.

Burnley and Pendle have experienced some of the tightest restrictions since the beginning of the pandemic, placing a huge strain on local businesses, in particular the leisure and hospitality industry, with fears growing that both areas will once again be placed the most severe Tier 3 restrictions once the national lockdown ends next week.

Other commitments in the Spending Review announced yesterday include a further £55m. to help with the response to coronavirus – including £18 billion for mass testing, Test and Trace, PPE and vaccines, and £3 billion to support NHS recovery.

Mr Higginbotham said: "We are starting to see an end in sight to the Coronavirus pandemic, with a vaccine closer than ever and mass testing rolling-out across Lancashire to support us in the meantime. But we know the economic situation is far less certain and needs a clear and coordinated response.

“The Spending Review announced by the Chancellor tackles this unprecedented situation head on – prioritising the protection of lives and livelihoods in Burnley and Padiham in the weeks and months ahead, as we get through this period.

“At the same time, I was elected at last year’s General Election on a commitment to level up areas like ours, and I am very pleased that this Conservative Government is now making good on that promise – by delivering a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure that will create jobs, grow the economy and increase pride in the place we call home.

"The Levelling Up Fund is particularly welcome. This will ensure that the schemes we need locally to drive forward our economic growth and build back better from Covid-19, can access the necessary funding.”

The new Levelling Up Fund, worth £4 billion will help to build the infrastructure of everyday life, according to the Government.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “While the health emergency facing our country is not yet over, the economic emergency has only just begun.

“The Chancellor’s Spending Review tackles this unprecedented situation head on – ensuring lives and livelihoods in Pendle are protected and supported in the weeks and months ahead."