Northern Mayors have issued a joint statement on the financial package for Tiers.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham
Author: Becky CahillPublished 16th Oct 2020
Last updated 16th Oct 2020

“The Government is claiming that the North is divided and only interested in getting what we can for our own region. That is simply not the case.

“We are all united in fighting for an 80% furlough scheme for all people affected by regional lockdowns, wherever they are in the country. Paying two-thirds of salaries will not be enough to protect the jobs of thousands – it should at least match the 80% that was available under furlough, with the minimum wage as the minimum support.

“The Universal Credit top up is not the answer. It doesn’t help everybody and takes weeks to come through. It will not prevent severe hardship for thousands of low paid workers before Christmas.

“But we won’t forget the self-employed and freelancers and other business who will be affected by these lockdowns, they also need support and we stand firm for those too.

“This is a fight for what is right.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of North Tyne

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region