Commenting on GDP statistics for April 2020, published today (12 June) by the Office for National Statistics, Doncaster Chamber CEO Dan Fell said: “Today’s figures, highlighting the collapse of the UK’s GDP in April, lay bare the sheer scale of the impact of Covid-19 on the UK’s economy and on business communities in places like Doncaster.
“Government interventions so far have helped to preserve the possibility that many businesses and jobs might be saved. However, the hard work starts now and there is an urgent need for further fiscal stimulus if the country is to return to economic growth, even in the mid-term.
“This must include bringing forward infrastructure investment – including projects like the Gateway East rail project connecting Doncaster Sheffield Airport and other development sites to the East Coast Mainline – and new interventions to support businesses in sectors that are many months away from safely reopening.
“Despite significant work that has been undertaken this last decade to kickstart Doncaster’s economy, we remain a borough that is vulnerable to significant economic shocks. This means that Doncaster may be disproportionately affected by the downturn. Consequently, the Government must come good on its levelling up agenda by giving northern towns and cities the resources and powers they need to support the economy and to avoid a growing north-south divide.”
