IT'S been widely accepted that the Coronavirus measures taken by the government were a success.

The Coronavirus Retention Scheme saved potentially millions of jobs, while Eat Out to Help Out was praised for giving restaurants and bars a much needed boost after lockdown.

But as the county MPs acknowledge now comes the difficult bit.

The county's national debt is eye watering, and the government are working out a way to repay it back.

Tax rises, cutting pension tax relief, an increase in fuel duty are all rumoured to be potentially in November's budget.

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These are difficult decisions for Chancellor Rishi Sunak and the government and potentially there could be a backlash if there is a return to austerity and the poorest are hit hard.

The potential curveball is a second national lockdown should coronavirus cases and deaths return to the horrific numbers we saw in the spring.

When it comes to saving lives and the health of the economy, surely it pays to be prepared and ready just in case.