Northumberland’s Labour group says the pandemic shone a light on the country’s fragile economy.

Shadow Cabinet Member for Economic Growth Cllr Lynne Grimshaw said: “When the pandemic hit last year it uncovered inequalities in our county and country which had been getting bigger throughout 10 years of the Tories in power.

“While the rich got even richer life became very hard for many ordinary people. The pandemic forced families into asking for government support; a new thing for many. It also showed that five weeks of waiting for Universal Credit plunges families into debt. Families can’t live on fresh air for five weeks.

“Over the last 10 years there have been constant attacks on the safety net which should be in place when people need it. Instead people had to rely on loans and food banks; this is not what civilised societies do.

“I am delighted that, nationally, Labour is concentrating on rebuilding our economy but I’m equally pleased it’s not about more of the same. Their manifesto puts people at the centre, which is where they should be.

“For far too long the profits of the already rich have been at the centre and this has to change. We fully support businesses being successful but not at the expense of the people who work for them.

“It makes sense that when when people are properly paid for the work they do they have more more to spend and this keeps other people in jobs. The government cannot keep depressing the economy, robbing people of their dignity and spending power and expect things to get better. They simply won’t.

“This is why Labour in Northumberland wants to work with businesses to help their workforce, as well as the business itself thrive. It’s a win win situation.

“Labour is committed to making the economy stronger and able to withstand future crises. From Day One a Labour-led Northumberland will put the needs of the county and everyone living in it first. Thriving businesses which pay workers fairly for the work they do means a thriving Northumberland. That’s what we’re aiming for.”