It is vitally important that the coronavirus economic schemes are effective so that we can protect people’s incomes, jobs and businesses and prevent a deeper and longer-lasting recession.
Too many people have been excluded from the economic support provided by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Although the Government has introduced temporary welfare measures to help those unable to access these schemes, I believe it must urgently go further.
I am also concerned the measures announced by the Chancellor in the Winter Recovery Plan pose a threat to the fragile economic recovery with the resurgence of the virus.
The Job Support Scheme will only support “viable business” but many businesses were successful prior to March, but now in accordance with Government guidance remain closed with no income.
Those previously excluded from the financial support schemes remain excluded.
The grants offered to the Self-Employed are far less generous.
I have written three separate letters to the Chancellor setting out my concerns on the recent financial measures announced which you can find below.
