Rishi Sunak urges the nation to back their high street and shop safely
The Chancellor urged the nation to get behind their high streets today (20 June) as he met business owners who are opening their doors for the first time in more than two months.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said getting the public back out shopping safely would be crucial in kick-starting the economy and encouraged people across the country to support their local high street. More than 10 million people live within 200 metres of a high street.
During a visit to Northallerton High Street in North Yorkshire, he saw first-hand how local businesses, including a department store, florist and cycle shop, have put measures in place to protect customers and staff. He also heard about the many challenges they had faced and how the government’s package of support has helped them during the outbreak.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said:
As well as the job retention scheme, which has protected more than 9 million jobs, the government has introduced a range of other measures to support people and businesses through the pandemic, including bounce back loans, tax deferrals and business rates holidays.