Carlisle Mp is welcoming the news that Carlisle airport will be able to apply for support but hopes more help will be in the pipeline. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that Carlisle Airport is now able to apply for a Government grant worth up to £8 million, helping to protect jobs and the local economy in Penrith and The Border. The Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme, which opened on Friday, will help the Airport and other commercial airports across England to cover losses caused by the pandemic. Airports and ground handlers can apply and if successful, should receive their funding by the end of the financial year.
“When originally announced, the business rate relief was very welcome and came alongside a real hope for an initial recovery through the Test-to-Release Scheme. However, the pandemic took a turn for the worse and the outlook for 2021 has worsened significantly.
“With airports effectively closed again by the government’s travel restrictions, much more significant support is now needed. This should see airports through the current crisis to safeguard jobs and ensure they are fighting fit to boost the UK’s post-pandemic economic recovery.”
When questioned in the House of Commons about the level of support, Robert Courts, the parliamentary under secretary for the Department of Transport, confirmed the scheme will provide support for eligible businesses, up to the equivalent of their business rates liabilities in the 2020/21 financial year, subject to certain conditions and a cap per applicant of £8m .
KEIGHLEY and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has welcomed Leeds Bradford Airport now being able to apply for a Government grant worth up to £8 million. The Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme, which opened on Friday, January 29, will help Leeds Bradford Airport, and other commercial airports across England to cover losses on costs caused by the covid-19 pandemic, including airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and runway maintenance, and business rate bills. Airports and ground handlers can apply to the scheme on GOV.UK, and if successful, should receive their funding by the end of the financial year. The financial support scheme, which follows the Government’s extension of the Job Retention Scheme, is open for applications until February 21, 2021.
Potential £8 million for Carlisle airport welcomed by MP
Carlisle airport can apply for up to £8 million to help it recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps opened the Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme to support commercial airports across England to cover losses on costs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and runway maintenance, and business rate bills
The scheme is open for applications until February 21 and successful applications should receive their funding by the end of the financial year.
Conservative Penrith and the Border MP Dr Neil Hudson said: âI am thrilled that Carlisle Airport has the potential to receive up to £8 million to help it protect jobs during these challenging times.