Leaders in Bolton say they are starting their own talks with the government in the hope of striking an 'individual deal' after wider talks led by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham collapsed.
Many council leaders and MPs were left angered yesterday after discussions between Greater Manchester and the government about a fund for businesses that will be forced to close under Tier 3 lockdown rules ended.
Local leaders involved in the discussions asked for a sum between £65m and £75, but the government rejected their proposals and instead announced that the region would only be receiving £22m along with 'additional funding'.
Last night, Bolton Council leader David Greenhalgh explained how initial talks ensued, saying: "A costed package that would see the top up to business support equivalent to 80pc furlough arrangements of £75m, with an offer on the table from government of £55m, a counter-offer of £65m from Greater Manchester, and a further offer of £60m from government.
"Greater Manchester held firm, feeling a compromise at half way between £55m and £75m was fair, but talks collapsed. I was in support of the acceptance of £60m as I was informed this was a final offer, but this view was not shared by other leaders."
He then slammed the government after Greater Manchester has been 'disproportionately affected' by lockdown measures so far.
Coun Greenhalgh said: “I have spoken out publicly at why I felt Greater Manchester, and in particular, Bolton, deserved a better deal. Greater Manchester has had over three months of lockdown interventions and on top of that Bolton has had three weeks of complete hospitality lockdown which left businesses in Greater Manchester disproportionately affected to other businesses in other parts of the country.
"Our businesses now start from a lower base of stability as they enter these new measures, are far more fragile and many on the brink of closure. Jobs have been lost and the fight to get more businesses more money if they were to be closed again was, for me and the administration, a primary focus.
“It is therefore hugely disappointing that it is regarding this extra package of help for businesses that has led to the breakdown in Greater Manchester talks with Government today, talks that I believed were progressing in the right direction, and which I genuinely hoped would succeed."
Now, the Bolton boss has announced that he is approaching the government individually, after the Communities Minister Robert Jenrick suggested that a £60m offer was 'still on the table' for any local councils wanting to make their own bids.
Coun David Greenhalgh said: "It is clear the amount on the table, which is what has been accepted in Liverpool, Lancashire and now South Yorkshire, and I am not prepared for Bolton businesses to miss out on this extra financial help.
“This is not the time for posturing and politics. This is about getting the best deal available for Bolton business, and those who work in the sectors worst affected.
“I hope to have further discussions later today with Government officials and ministers, and progress as a matter of priority to enable a scheme to be worked up that targets those most affected.”
Coun Greenhalgh says that he has spoken to Mr Jenrick this morning, who confirmed he would look at such a deal.
