Businesses in Barrow and Furness have received £38,681,858 worth of loans since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak.

This includes 1,112 Bounce Back Loans and 40 loans through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme.

These new statistics have been welcomed by local MP Simon Fell.

He said: “This year has been hugely challenging for businesses in Barrow and Furness, but these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Government has put in place to protect livelihoods and businesses.

“I am under no illusion that there is still much more to do and I will continue to make representations to Government on this, but I am incredibly grateful for the support we’ve seen to date.

“Never has the agenda to level up the whole county been so important – in order to support hardworking families across Furness.”

On Friday, the Chancellor also announced that the government’s Job Support Scheme will be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses forced to close due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The government are also increasing the cash grants, worth up to £3,000 per month, to businesses in England shutting in local lockdowns to support with fixed costs.

The government’s economic response to Covid-19 has provided over £200 billion to support jobs and businesses in the UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:“Our support for businesses and workers has provided a lifeline to employers up and down the country, supporting people to stay in jobs and protecting livelihoods. We will build on this as we move to the next stage of our recovery through the Winter Economy Plan, which will continue to protect jobs and help businesses through the months ahead.”