Senior county councillors have welcomed today's budget announcements from the Chancellor, and look forward to seeing more details of the government's long-term levelling up commitment.

Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: "We welcome the measures included in today's Budget, particularly the continued support for businesses, which is vital for recovery of the economy.

"However, it's also good to see the chancellor setting out a sensible plan for the rebalancing of the public finances in the long-term."

Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy, said:"The extension to furlough payments will offer a further lifeline to many county businesses, as well as grants and tax breaks for those in leisure and tourism, and I recently wrote to the Chancellor in support of these initiatives.

"It's vital that our sports, arts, leisure, personal care and hospitality industries continue to be supported while Covid restrictions are gradually lifted this year.

He continued: "I'm pleased that more will be done to support our High Streets which are in desperate need of investment, with re-start grants for retail businesses.

"The government has also re-affirmed its commitment to Town Deals for Skegness, Mablethorpe, Lincoln and Boston, and we will work with our district council colleagues in these areas, to ensure our High Streets can look to a more positive future.

"Reduced business rates and VAT cuts well into 2021 will be valuable to many. In the meantime, we have already taken action with our own grant schemes for small businesses that haven't been eligible for government support– both to help them in the recovery and to help them grow and innovate for the future.

"Both the Humber and East Midlands Airport freeports will be incredibly important for our area and will make Greater Lincolnshire an even more attractive area for investment.

"Together with the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, the county council will play a lead role in unlocking this potential and pushing for and utilising government funding.

"We'll be keen to explore the detail of the Levelling Up and UK Shared Prosperity funds as these are much-needed for our future growth."