Theresa May’s pledge to Manchester over bomb bill

Theresa May has promised to fully fund the costs of dealing with the Manchester Arena bombing after criticism that an initial offer fell at least £5million short.

The Government had previously said Manchester had been assured it will receive £12million, with £3million being made available immediately.

But Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said more than £17.5million had already been spent and suggested at least £10.4million more could be needed to cover costs including the inquests into the 22 deaths and an inquiry.

The £12million figure would have meant local authorities being forced to cut services to make up the £5million shortfall on what had already been spend, he had warned.

Theresa May has promised to fully fund the costs of dealing with the Manchester Arena bombing after criticism that an initial offer fell at least £5million short

The Prime Minister told the Manchester Evening News: ‘Be in no doubt, Manchester will get the financial support it needs – and if that costs £28million, as Andy Burnham has estimated, then that is what we will make available.’

In a statement the Prime Minister said a taskforce had been established within the Cabinet Office to oversee progress on meeting the costs.

She said: ‘The terror attack in Manchester was one of the darkest moments in the city’s history.

‘Twenty two people were killed in a brutal act of hatred deliberately aimed at innocent children on what should have been one of the best nights of their young lives.

Theresa May pictured on Sunday morning

Theresa May pictured on Sunday morning

‘In the hours, days and weeks that followed the Arena bombing, the spirit of Manchester shone out in defiance of an attack designed to destroy lives and devastate a community.’

She added: ‘Where your public services have had to bear, or will bear, unexpected and exceptional costs in coping with this terrible attack, these will be met by the Government.

‘The process of making those payments is on-going and I understand the frustration felt at the pace of delivery.

‘So I have taken steps to speed up our response.

‘Over the weekend a taskforce has been established within the Cabinet Office to oversee progress and expedite payments when necessary.’

She added that not all the funding will be needed immediately, as the inquests will not begin until next June.’

Mr Burnham said on Twitter: ‘I thank the Prime Minister for her helpful words this evening.

‘We will work constructively with the taskforce to achieve a fair resolution.’ 

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