A HOUSING group is calling for “cast iron guarantees” of Government support for those who have lost – or are likely to lose – their jobs due to the pandemic.

Lee Bloomfield, chief executive of Manningham Housing Association, was speaking following the announcement of the Government’s Spending Review measures.

“It was striking to hear the Chancellor warn that UK unemployment is expected to rise to 2.6 million by the middle of next year,” said Mr Bloomfield.

“I fear that areas such as Bradford and Keighley, where we own and manage more than 1,400 homes for around 6,000 residents, will be particularly vulnerable to further redundancies

“We need cast iron guarantees of targeted Government assistance for those who have lost their jobs or are likely to do so, many of whom are of black and minority ethnic origin and have already been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

“People from across these communities want to play their full part in the economic recovery that everyone hopes will lie ahead. The £4 billion levelling-up fund is to be welcomed but this money must be fairly and openly allocated.”