A £56 million ‘Welcome Back’ fund has been announced today by the government to support England’s high streets and coastal towns through reopening, and boost staycations.
The financial assistance package was detailed by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, it will enable pubs to erect marquees in gardens throughout the summer, helping serve more customers.
The funding will also help local councils to boost communal areas through improved green spaces, boost outdoor seating areas for hospitality, and help increase pop-up food stalls.
Funds will partly focus on coastal areas, ensuring that all English seaside resorts receive support, in an effort by the government to promote staycations.
The government’s scientific advisors are counselling against foreign holidays this summer to avoid risks posed by holidaymakers returning with Covid variants from other countries. So, the government’s move is to increase holidaying in England.
Speaking earlier today, Mr Jenrick said: “As we move to the next stage on the roadmap out of lockdown, we are all looking forward to being reunited with friends and family outdoors and making a safe and happy return to our favourite shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
“Our Welcome Back Fund gives every city, town and high street support to prepare for a great summer. This funding will help councils and businesses to welcome shoppers, diners and tourists back safely.”
The sentiment of the move will be a welcome boost to hospitality in England, but £56 million does not seem anything like sufficient for the task.
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Hospitality & Catering News: Government announce £56M boost to reopening hospitality and promoting staycations. – 20 March 2021 – Government announce £56M boost to reopening hospitality and promoting staycations.
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