Statistics showing the funding the Moorlands has received throughout the Coronavirus pandemic have been welcomed by the district's MP, Karen Bradley.

In total, over £160 billion of funding has been allocated around the country as part of the Government's response to the virus.

The following statistics from the treasury were highlighted by Karen to show the support that has been given to the Moorlands in particular.

They are:

• 10,700 people have had their job protected through the Job Retention Scheme, which has allowed employers to furlough workers while the Government has provided up to 80 per cent of their wages.

• Self-employed people in Staffordshire Moorlands have accessed £10,000,000 worth of Government grants, which do not need to be paid back, to cover lost earnings.

• £29,115,881 has been paid out to local businesses in the form of Bounce Back Loans, which provides loans of up to £50,000 within days of an application.

• £15,242,500.00 worth of grants has been handed out to businesses in Staffordshire Moorlands which do not need to be paid back.

Karen said: "This year has been hugely challenging for people and businesses in the Moorlands and these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Conservative Government has put in place to support lives and local livelihoods.

"As we now work to restart our economy, I have no doubt that the Government will continue to support people in our local community. Schemes such as the hugely popular Eat Out to Help Out are already proving a huge success at getting customers back into local businesses.

"Never has the Conservatives' agenda to level up the whole county been so important – giving businesses the confidence to retain and hire, create jobs and ensure young people have the opportunity of a better start in Staffordshire Moorlands."

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak added: "I recently set out the government's next steps towards economic recovery and securing the UK's long-term prosperity in our Plan for Jobs.

"As we embark on this next phase, the latest figures demonstrate that we are continuing to support jobs, incomes, and businesses across every part of the UK."