CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer – Rishi Sunak – has announced a further financial package to help bolster the NHS and other public services during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Chancellor announced on Monday, April 13, that Wales will receive an additional £350 million as a result of UK Government spending from the emergency response fund, bringing the total pledged to Wales in response to the pandemic to nearly £2 billion.

In total, some £14 billion has been allocated to public services to help fight Coronavirus across the UK.

Welcoming the additional funding, Simon Baynes – the Member of Parliament for Clwyd South – said: “I’m so grateful to all those working in the NHS and our public services, particularly in Clwyd South, who I know are doing an incredible job with immense dedication to keep us all safe.

“This additional funding package of £350 million from the Chancellor is great news for those working so hard on the frontlines to tackle this pandemic.”

Added to the £250m from the Chancellor’s initial £5 billion released, this means Wales will receive well over half a billion pounds of extra funding specifically for public services, and nearly £2 billion in total to help combat Coronavirus.

Simon added: “The community spirit we’ve seen in Clwyd South has been tremendous; everyone’s been going the extra mile. I’ve heard from businesses working around the clock to get their customers the essentials they need to keep going.

“And community groups and charities mustering large groups of volunteers to help deliver food and prescriptions to the most vulnerable people in our community. They all deserve our thanks – and this funding gets us that step closer to beating this virus.

“In line with Government advice I’ve had to postpone all face-to-face advice surgeries and meetings, and my office staff are working from home.

“However, I’m still available and continuing to provide advice and support to residents by email and by phone. So if you need help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me on simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk or on 01978 269386. Me and my office are here to help in any way I can.”