AN URGENT appeal has been launched by Cornwall Council to allow it to use £28m of unspent Government finance it has to help businesses during the second national lockdown.

The council says it welcomes the government’s commitment to extend the current furlough scheme, but says it will be lobbying hard for urgent extra support and is concerned the timing of the lockdown will hit Cornwall’s economy hard.

It says it will ask that the £28m of government money it is currently unable to spend is freed up so it can provide urgently needed support to the businesses who will be most affected by these new measures.

While the number of positive cases in Cornwall remains relatively low, the council says that action needs to be taken now to control the virus and save lives especially as the health system starts to face winter pressures.

Cornwall Council Leader Councillor Julian German said: “Despite having a lower number of cases than in other parts of the country, positive cases are rising in Cornwall and it is crucial we play our part to stop this trend.

“This is a significant moment where our individual actions can help save lives, and we urge the people of Cornwall to understand that their support is hugely important.”

Councillor Tim Dwelly, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for culture, economy and planning, said: “The economic impact of a four-week lockdown will be greater than it needed to have been for a shorter, circuit-breaker of a fortnight. For Cornwall, whose economy has been hit harder than most, this is a bitter pill to swallow.

“Our businesses and workers now face an extremely challenging winter and we will be lobbying hard for urgent financial hardship support for them.

"We are also calling on Government to let us do our bit for struggling businesses in Cornwall by allowing us to use £28m of unspent Government finance held here, to give grants to 3,300 businesses who did not get any money at all in the previous grant rounds.”

Councillor Sally Hawken, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for children, wellbeing and public health said: “We hope Government uses this opportunity to accelerate the development of Track & Trace so that we can feel confident that it is fit for purpose and can effectively control infection.

“We want our residents to know that we are here to support them and anyone who is struggling financially or is needing support in accessing food and essential supplies or if they are feeling anxious about the new measures, please get in touch with us and we will work with our partners to help and support you.”

For more information on support in Cornwall during the pandemic see www.cornwall.gov.uk/coronavirus.