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03
Mar 2021
Harrogate businesses welcome furlough extension
Business owners in the Harrogate district have welcomed an extension to the furlough scheme which they say will help to save jobs.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the scheme, which covers 80% of employee salaries, will be extended until September this year.
Mr Sunak also confirmed that a business rates holiday will be extended until June, as well as a 5% VAT reduction for the hospitality and tourism sectors for six months.
An extra £5 billion worth of grants for high street shops and hospitality have also been announced. It will see pubs and hotels able to bid for £18,000 worth of funding.
Peter Banks, managing director of Rudding Park Hotel and Spa, said he was pleased with the extension to the furlough scheme.
He said:
Elsewhere in his budget, Mr Sunak announced a further £400 million financial support for the arts.
The money will be added to the government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which has already awarded £800 million in grants to theatres, museums and music venues.
Read more:
- Harrogate town centre cleaned ready for return of retail
- Hospitality businesses hopeful of summer boom in Budget
Ripon Cathedral, Harrogate Theatre, the Deer Shed Festival, Ripon Museum Trust and Ripon Amateur Operatic Society are among the local beneficiaries of the fund so far.
David Bown, chief executive of the Harrogate Theatre, said he was pleased with the announcements on furlough and arts funding.
However, he added that more detail was required on the schemes.
He said:
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festival, agreed the "devil would be in the detail".
She said:
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