Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that Manchester & Liverpool airports will receive a Government grant of up to £8 million respectively, helping to protect jobs and the local economy.
The funding is designed to help with the cost of paying Business Rates, providing much-needed financial relief this year.
The funding, which will also be used to support ground handlers, comes as the Transport Secretary announced plans to reduce the time needed in self-isolation after travelling abroad. From 15 December, passengers returning from overseas will be given the option of having a coronavirus test after five days in isolation, with a negative test releasing them from the need to isolate for any longer.
Combined, the new funding and quarantine measures will give a much-needed boost to the aviation sector, which has faced a challenging year after passenger numbers severely declined during the coronavirus pandemic.
Airports, airlines and other aviation businesses have also been able to draw on the Government’s unprecedented support, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Business Interruption Loans. In total, the aviation and aerospace sectors have received over £9 billion in support.
Commenting, Andy Carter said:
Having called on the Chancellor in a letter a few weeks ago to slash unnecessary business rates for local airports, I am absolutely delighted that Manchester and Liverpool will receive up to £8 million to help protect jobs during these challenging times.
I have been campaigning on this issue since the start of the pandemic, meeting with Transport Ministers, Unions and Airport operators to understand where support could be best targeted. Manchester in particular is of huge importance to the Northern economy, providing around 3,500 jobs in my constituency and providing links to 210 different destinations, including 35 of our top 50 export markets.
Along with the Government’s new testing strategy, I hope that this funding marks a real turning point for Manchester and Liverpool. I will however be continuing to push for further support for supply chain companies impacted by the pandemic, who in normal times are the bedrock of the aviation industry.
This funding comes as the Transport Secretary announced plans to reduce the time of self-isolation needed after international travel.
The Global Travel Taskforce was established to look at how that time can be reduced. Following this work, from 15 December, passengers returning to England will have the option to take a test after five days of self-isolation, with a negative test releasing them from the need to isolate. By giving people the choice to test on day five, we will make it easier for travel, see loved ones and drive international business, while supporting the travel industry to rebuild out of the pandemic.
