House of Commons · General Debate
05 November 2020 · 14 other contributors
Opened by Owen Thompson SNP Midlothian
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Owen Thompson raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Mr. Thompson moves that the House believes CBILS is not adequately fulfilling its role for SMEs across the UK and urges Government intervention to ensure financial support. He highlights issues such as low take-up, bureaucratic process, and high interest rates, suggesting grants instead of loans and a replacement scheme with 100% government guarantees.
Mr. Hollinrake acknowledges the shortcomings in CBILS but notes that grants have also been provided through the job retention scheme and business rate grants.
Ms. Maskell expresses concern about businesses' ability to repay loans even with new measures, suggesting underpinning and underwriting for future security, and adds that charities should also have their debt written off.
Mr. Hendry agrees with Mr. Thompson's call for a fairer and more effective support mechanism for SMEs.
Discussed the importance of access to capital for businesses, highlighting successes and flaws in schemes like CBILS. Emphasised the need for a social purpose in banking alongside commercial goals, citing examples from Germany, US, and Japan where mutual not-for-profit banks are prevalent. Advocated for funding regional mutual banking initiatives and community development finance institutions.
Welsh communities have faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, with nearly 1,700 CBILS loans totalling £374 million provided in Wales. The Welsh Government and local authorities have also directed over £1.6 billion of public support in grants and reliefs. However, concerns about accessibility remain, particularly for rural areas and post-industrial communities facing bank closures. Saville-Roberts urges the UK Government to work with lenders and the Welsh Government to relieve mounting debt burdens for viable businesses.
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Businesses in Ynys Môn have received over £5.5 million in CBILS loans, which is significant for an area with low investment and GDP. The speaker highlights Orthios Eco Park's application to develop a new recycling facility that will create jobs and support the local economy. Crosbie agrees on the importance of social purpose and entrepreneurism in building back better.
Jim Shannon thanked the Government for its support to businesses during challenging times and highlighted the importance of SMEs in his constituency. He noted that while the Chancellor's scheme has been helpful, there were issues with banks not being as accommodating as they could have been. Shannon emphasised the need for flexibility from lenders and a more cooperative approach to ensure no business is left behind. He also praised his office staff for their efforts in securing loans for local businesses.
The CBIL scheme saved the speaker's business from collapse, preserving jobs. The speaker praises the Chancellor for acting quickly to mitigate economic damage but highlights concerns about cash flow issues post-CBIL loan repayment. He welcomes increased flexibility in interest and capital repayment requirements and proposes a scheme to sell covid loan books to institutional investors to provide long-term fixed-income investments.
Acknowledges the effectiveness of the CBIL scheme in saving businesses and jobs. Suggests aligning the business loan scheme with tax deferment measures to prevent firms from facing penalties or interest charges. Emphasises rigorous policing of banks charging commercial rates for underwritten loans. Proposes flexibility in the share capital requirement to help viable businesses access schemes.
It is crucial that the Government provide clear direction and support for businesses during the pandemic. Many small businesses are locked out of CBIL scheme loans due to restrictions imposed by banks, and there are 250,000 such businesses unable to access the required funds. The Government needs to make it conditional for banks to offer loans to non-customers. Additionally, many business owners are hesitant about taking on new debt at this uncertain time and need a better safety net. There is a call for converting loans to equity or grants to avoid adding to UK debt crisis.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused significant economic hardship, with hundreds of companies going out of business and thousands losing their jobs. The Government's failure to act earlier on a circuit breaker led to greater economic pain. Lucy Powell emphasises the need for long-term support measures as the virus will continue to affect the economy in the medium term. She advocates for a review of schemes like CBILS loans and furlough grants, arguing that businesses should not rely solely on loans during enforced closures. There is a need for more transparency regarding loan distribution and misuse, alongside extending protections against wrongful trading. The Government must also provide clarity about reopening plans to give businesses certainty.
Acknowledged concerns raised about CBILS but highlighted its success in providing loans to over 73,000 businesses worth £17 billion. Emphasised government's measures to extend loan schemes and improve access for small businesses.
Expressed recognition of the need for CBILS but also highlighted shortcomings and challenges, particularly concerning the debt burden on small businesses. Suggested that there are still countless businesses unable to trade and receive support.