Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that Carlisle Lake District Airport will receive a Government grant of up to £8 million, helping to protect the local economy.
The funding will be equivalent to the Business Rates that the airport would otherwise have to pay – meaning that Carlisle Lake District Airport will pay nothing in Business Rates in 2020-21.
The funding comes as the Transport Secretary announced plans to reduce the time needed in self-isolation after travelling abroad. From 15 December, passengers returning from overseas will be given the option of having a coronavirus test after five days in isolation, with a negative test releasing them from the need to isolate for any longer.
Combined, the new funding and quarantine measures will give a much-needed boost to the UK aviation sector, which has faced a challenging year after passenger numbers severely declined during the coronavirus pandemic.
Airports, airlines and other aviation businesses have also been able to draw on the Government’s unprecedented support, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Business Interruption Loans. In total, the aviation and aerospace sectors have received over £9 billion in support.
Commenting, Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border said: “I am really pleased that Carlisle Lake District Airport will receive up to £8 million to help it start to recover during these challenging times.
“I hope that this funding marks a turning point for the airport – which is so important for our community.
“I will continue to work with stakeholders, colleagues and Government to support a viable future for our airport which has been hit so hard by this pandemic.”
