County council leader Andrew Proctor has welcomed the Chancellor's "upbeat budget", believing that it will support Norfolk's recovery from the Covid pandemic.
Cllr Proctor said: "I welcome the upbeat budget unveiled today, to kickstart the UK’s recovery from the pandemic and seek to protect jobs and livelihoods.
"The extension of furlough, help for the self employed and the wide-ranging package of support for businesses – including our hard-hit retail, culture and hospitality sectors – will give them the confidence needed to plan for the future and build back better.
"The new restart grant is just what is needed to give the economy a boost, along with business rates relief, VAT reductions and freezing duties.
"Investment in traineeships and business management support is an investment in our future and fits perfectly with the county council’s drive to improve skills and diversify our jobs market.
"And I particularly welcome the Chancellor's focus on the future economy – including a green industrial revolution and digital innovation. Norfolk, with the University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, the John Innes Centre and Lotus Cars, is ideally placed to work with the Government on this."
Cllr Proctor said councils played a leading role in the pandemic response and would do so in the recovery, especially if the Government put their finances on a firm footing.
He said: "Putting local government on a stronger, more financial sustainable footing will definitely boost the government’s recovery efforts and assist the Government's work in levelling up. That way we will be well equipped to work with Government to lead the recovery."
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