On failure to reach a deal from GM perspective: Govt set the limit at £60m because then the extra GM funding wld be equivalent to that of Lancashire (based on population). PM said he most he could do was £60m despite Burnham being clear £65m was absolute minimum he’d need 1/
GM leaders calculated that to provide 80% furlough scheme & 80% self employed support until end of financial year, they’d need £90m (£15m/month). That was the ask. Came down to £75m. But calculated £65m was absolute minimum required & anything less would leave GM underfunded. 2/
On the talks. PM offered £60m and asked Burnham to put that to the rest of the GM leaders. Explained position and the GM leaders supported Burnham position. The second phone call between PM & Burnham didn’t happen 3/
Burnham office stresses there was ‘cross-party’ support for proposals put to No 10 & GM leaders based funding deal on ‘what they thought people needed in order not to harm their mental health’
GM leaders still prepared to do deal, but Burnham Office says ‘govt has walked away’
GM leaders still prepared to do deal, but Burnham Office says ‘govt has walked away’
One GM figure to me. “It’s grim. When did the govt change from we’ll do whatever it takes to accept whatever we give you. It’s a massive turnaround since start of year when they’re asking people to do really hard things. They’re trying to take regional action on cheap”
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