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Coronavirus: Supporting Businesses and Individuals
23 February 2021
Lead MP
Bridget Phillipson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 53
At a Glance
Bridget Phillipson raised concerns about coronavirus: supporting businesses and individuals in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Labour Party calls on the Government to extend business rates relief, VAT reduction, debt relief measures, furlough scheme reform, self-employment income support, and fix gaps in coronavirus support schemes. They demand monthly updates from the Chancellor of the Exchequer on these matters.
Houghton and Sunderland South
Phillipson highlights the struggles businesses and individuals face due to the pandemic. She calls for extending business rates relief, VAT reduction, debt relief measures, furlough scheme reform, self-employment income support, and fixing gaps in support schemes. She criticises the government's lack of clarity on economic support despite lifting restrictions.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon points out that 15% of the workforce is self-employed, citing a survey where 64% of respondents are less likely to be or unsure about being self-employed in the future. He emphasises the need to address this issue urgently.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Cartlidge questions Phillipson on whether her proposal would extend support to anyone, regardless of earnings.
Bury South
Wakeford supported the discretionary grant system as an example of targeted support for businesses that have fallen through the gaps and urged local councils to consider home-based businesses in their plans.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon suggested providing help with low tax returns for 2019-20 to include in Self-Employment Income Support Scheme claims, aiming to assist self-employed individuals under pressure due to the pandemic.
Peter Grant
SNP
Aberdeen North
The Scottish National party supports extending business rates relief, reducing VAT rates for affected sectors, providing certainty on VAT rates, addressing unprecedented levels of debt through loan deferrals and potential write-offs, advocating for the inclusion of self-employed individuals in support schemes, and urging the UK Government to utilise its powers for economic recovery. The SNP emphasises the need for immediate action based on long-term interests.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Stockport
Called for a three-minute time limit on Back-Bench speeches, without providing additional substantive content related to the debate topic.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Advocates for a vigorous economic recovery through increased domestic procurement and investment in UK industries such as steel production, agriculture, energy generation, and electricity infrastructure. Emphasises the importance of reducing reliance on imported goods and promoting British products while ensuring businesses have access to necessary support.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Critiques the Government’s approach as insufficient for the scale of need, highlighting the struggles faced by the hair and beauty industry, self-employed individuals without commercial premises, and taxi drivers. Urges targeted financial support packages and calls for immediate assistance to prevent businesses from falling through gaps in current support systems.
Paul Maynard
Con
Wythenshawe and Sale East
The Government’s efforts have protected jobs through the furlough scheme, which has supported around 10 million people. The next challenge is to transition from emergency measures to sustainable economic recovery without negatively impacting constituents' financial resilience.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
More than a quarter of over-70s in my constituency remain unvaccinated, highlighting the need for better vaccine roll-out strategies. Economic support measures such as furlough have been essential but must continue to cover all businesses and individuals, including those excluded from relief schemes.
David Evennett
Con
Bexleyheath and Crayford
The Government's plan is a measured approach that provides clarity for businesses. The furlough scheme has saved nearly 10 million jobs, while support packages have amounted to £280 billion. Local businesses appreciate the grant funding provided by councils.
Salford
At least 3 million people have been excluded from support schemes due to eligibility criteria, leading to severe financial hardship and mental health issues. The Chancellor must provide immediate emergency grants for those affected and extend support in parity with the furlough scheme.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Thanked the Chancellor for the £280 billion financial support package and praised the Government’s loan scheme that helped over 3,700 businesses in Beaconsfield. Emphasised the importance of low taxation and lifting restrictions to allow businesses to rebuild the economy. Acknowledged Labour's support for Conservative policies such as business rates relief and VAT cuts. Praised Buckinghamshire Council for its efficient administration of grant schemes.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Critiqued the Government’s lack of action to rebalance the economy and help hard-working families, children, elderly people, single parents, disabled individuals, unemployed people, and homeless individuals. Highlighted the impact of the pandemic on small businesses in Gower's tourism and hospitality sector, including examples like Cakes & Ale and King’s Head Inn. Advocated for continued support measures such as a reduced VAT rate to help businesses recover.
Expressed disappointment with Somerset County Council's handling of pandemic funds, citing issues like unaccountable spending and recruitment of PR teams. Criticised the council for pushing forward with plans for a single unitary authority despite the ongoing crisis, and mentioned wasted road contract management efforts by Skanska.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Discussed the 3 million individuals excluded from financial support during the pandemic. Highlighted specific cases where people faced livelihood uncertainties due to government policies and delays in assistance measures like furlough, self-employment income support, business rates relief, VAT reductions, and eviction bans.
Virginia Crosbie
Con
Ynys Môn
Crosbie emphasises that young people in her constituency of Ynys Môn want a future with quality jobs and a pro-business government. She highlights the impact of coronavirus on education and employment, noting support provided by schemes such as kickstart, furlough, and bounce back loans. She advocates for Anglesey to be a key beneficiary of the UK Government's levelling up agenda, including freeport status and investment in local businesses and green energy initiatives.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Owen criticises the government for not providing support to millions of workers and small businesses excluded from pandemic relief schemes. She mentions specific businesses like Creative8 and Purple Creative Events that have received little assistance, highlighting their importance in generating local and national business opportunities. Owen also addresses the impact on industries such as weddings and highlights discrimination faced by working mums under the self-employment income support scheme.
Fay Jones
Con
Brecon and Radnorshire
Jones discusses the uncertainty in Wales regarding the exit plan from lockdown, contrasting it with the clarity provided for England. She praises the Chancellor's economic package but criticises the Welsh Government for not spending the allocated funds promptly, particularly in her constituency where tourism and hospitality businesses are crucial to the rural economy. Jones calls on Labour Members to question their colleagues about the withholding of money and demands that rural Wales is prioritised.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Expresses frustration with government delays, noting the severe impact on Slough's economy. Calls for targeted economic measures such as a smart furlough scheme and extensions to business rate relief.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Esterson discusses his experience running a small business during the financial crisis, emphasising the darker days of 2020 due to the pandemic. He points out that 3 million people have been without work and support, while billions in taxpayers' money was wasted on failed contracts. Highlights cases like Alison Powell who received no support despite being eligible for it.
Fletcher commends the government's efforts but urges focus on the levelling-up agenda, keeping taxes low, and promoting small businesses through initiatives like free ports. He emphasises the importance of supporting research and innovation while allowing market competition to drive economic recovery.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Jones calls for continued advocacy on behalf of those excluded from support, citing examples such as a taxi driver who started too late to qualify for self-employed schemes. He emphasises the need for flexibility in government programmes to ensure all can get through difficult times.
Julie Marson
Con
Hertford and Stortford
Small businesses in her constituency have shown incredible resolve and generosity during the pandemic. They are integral to community life, providing jobs, services, and support. The government's Treasury interventions like the furlough scheme and CBILS have been crucial for survival and recovery. However, challenges remain, especially for sectors like hospitality and travel. The government must continue supporting businesses through the recovery process.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
The country's ability to support families during the pandemic was weak due to years of pay restraint and insecure employment, leaving millions with no savings. Many self-employed individuals were unable to claim government support, leading to significant financial distress. Public spending cuts have led to higher costs for families while wages stagnate or decline in real terms. The Government's economy does not make work pay for all, resulting in endemic poverty and systemic issues. A new approach is needed to ensure a fair recovery.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
The government has provided massive financial support to businesses and individuals through various schemes, including the furlough scheme, self-employment income support, bounce back loans, and CBILS. These efforts have helped keep businesses afloat during lockdowns and are expected to aid in economic recovery as restrictions ease. The opposition's proposals lack significant critiques of these measures and focus on minor adjustments.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
A constituent, Peter, exemplifies the many individuals left unsupported by government schemes due to eligibility issues. Young people in Sheffield have been disproportionately affected by job losses and insecure employment. The mixed messages from the Government have caused redundancies and business closures. Urgent clarity is needed for workers and businesses to plan ahead effectively, avoiding further record redundancies.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Eshalomi highlights the challenges faced by businesses in Vauxhall, particularly those in hospitality, tourism, and entertainment. She urges the Chancellor to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery and calls for tailored support to ensure resilience across different sectors.
Suzanne Webb
Con
Stourbridge
Webb outlines the substantial financial support provided by the Government, including business loans of over £60 million in Stourbridge. She highlights local success stories and emphasises the importance of a jobs-led recovery plan as restrictions ease.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Lake calls for extending VAT reductions for hospitality businesses for the entire financial year to provide certainty. He also advocates for flexible repayment frameworks and continued support through the furlough scheme and self-employed income support until the economic conditions stabilise.
James Daly
Con
Bury North
The Government have provided a financial support package of approximately £280 billion, including the furlough scheme which has protected almost 10 million jobs. Local authorities in Bury have received additional funding and direct grant support for businesses. However, further assistance is needed as many businesses will be among the last to open under step two of the road map out of lockdown.
Pontypridd
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on sectors such as aviation and coach industries, leaving people without jobs and livelihoods. Many have been excluded from support by the Government, including freelance musicians who are currently facing financial hardship and pregnant women/new mothers who face unprecedented challenges during this crisis.
Bury South
We should be proud of all measures taken to support businesses and individuals. The discretionary funding is available for all and tackling the excluded cohorts requires speaking to councils to open up that funding. Businesses need clarity on when they can reopen with either covid-secure measures or no restrictions, depending on global restrictions in travel industry.
Alan Brown
SNP
Central Ayrshire
Critiques the government's lack of action to support the excluded, including limited company directors, freelancers, and those in the wedding and travel industries. Emphasises the need for targeted sectoral support and conversion of loans to equity or grants.
Peter Gibson
Con
Darlington
Highlights the substantial financial support provided by the government to businesses and individuals, including £280 billion in total. Mentions specific schemes such as the coronavirus job retention scheme, self-employed income scheme, and kickstart scheme.
Tracy Brabin
Lab
Batley and Spen
Focuses on those who have fallen through gaps in support, such as pregnant women and new mothers. Discusses the increase in destitution due to the pandemic and proposes schemes for targeted income support.
Imran Ahmad Khan
Lab
Manchester Gorton
Acknowledges the unprecedented action taken by the Treasury but questions the adequacy of measures for those on low incomes. Discusses further measures needed in rebuilding Britain and encouraging economic growth.
Eleanor Laing
Con
Epping Forest
Compliments a speaker's adherence to time limits and hints at future events, including the Chancellor’s Budget statement next week.
Paul Blomfield
Lab
Sheffield Central
Hospitality and night-time economy jobs in Sheffield have doubled claimants over last year due to lack of support. Budget must provide flexible help for businesses partially opening, including VAT relief and smart furlough scheme. Students have been hit by the pandemic, lacking access to support despite part-time work providing vital income.
Aaron Bell
Con
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Welcomes the road map out of lockdown announced by Government, highlighting the success of vaccine roll-out. Calls for closer steps in roadmap if science supports it. Hopes Chancellor will help hospitality businesses survive last few months and support young people through kickstart programme.
Southgate and Wood Green
Government's financial support for businesses has been patchy, failing to take into account the impact on small businesses. Local Enfield Southgate business owners are struggling without urgent help. Urges Chancellor to extend business rates holiday and consider other measures like extension of furlough scheme and availability of grants until businesses can open as per milestones in road map.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
There is surely no more important debate at the moment than how we support businesses and individuals through the pandemic. The UK economy has suffered its worst slump since records began, with unemployment rates rising sharply in Edinburgh West. Businesses need support, certainty, and time to recover. I hope the Chancellor will extend furlough until the end of the year and provide relief from business rates and VAT for small businesses that are struggling.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
It is important to recognise not only the importance of the self-employment scheme but also those who have been excluded due to arbitrary 50% income rules. Many self-employed individuals, like my constituent, have lost out on support while continuing to work or contributing to essential services. The Government needs to address these issues urgently and ensure no one is left behind.
Over £79 million has been poured into Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke since the start of the pandemic through various schemes. I highlighted the success of the eat out to help out scheme and proposed a temporary rate reduction for draught beer to support local breweries. People respect the Chancellor's honesty but understand that these are unprecedented times.
Millions of people are still falling through gaps left open by the Government, such as those on maternity leave or employees TUPE-d after an arbitrary deadline for furlough. The Tory addiction to means testing continues while industries like aviation and road hauliers face collapse due to lack of support. It is time to follow other countries' lead in supporting workers without excessive red tape.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
Labour’s British recovery bond proposal is crucial for the recovery. The hospitality sector needs clear guidance, extending the furlough scheme to match restrictions and demand reduction. Additionally, addressing gaps in support schemes for sectors like creative arts and self-employed individuals who have fallen through the cracks.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
The pre-pandemic economic system failed many people in low-paid jobs, which was further exposed by poor policy decisions during the pandemic. Businesses such as market traders received delayed support due to eligibility criteria issues. The Government’s measures are insufficient and unfair, leading to high unemployment rates among ethnic minorities and widespread reliance on food banks.
Warrington North
Pubs in Warrington North have faced significant hardships despite complying with rules and supporting the community. They need additional support including an extension to the VAT cut, cancellation of business rates, extended furlough scheme, lower duty on draught beer, and financial support until pubs can open fully.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
The gaps in support for workers and businesses are being addressed through cross-party discussions with the Treasury. Solutions include a targeted income grant scheme to help 2.9 million UK taxpayers, allowing PAYE workers and freelancers to claim based on total income, and investigating employee rights and appeals processes for those refused furlough by employers.
Erith and Thamesmead
Called for immediate economic support from the Government to help businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic. Emphasised the need for support measures to be aligned with public health restrictions. Raised concerns about the financial impact on small businesses, self-employed individuals, and their families. Highlighted the importance of addressing the issues faced by those who fall through the gaps in existing support schemes.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
The Chancellor has provided an unprecedented £280 billion package of support to assist businesses mandated to close and those severely affected by restrictions. This includes extending the coronavirus job retention scheme until April 2021, committing to protect jobs and supporting green recovery initiatives as part of a ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution. The Government will continue to work closely with the hospitality sector to ensure safe reopening according to the roadmap.
John Spellar
Lab
Eston
Questioned why the government is not allowing earlier openings for businesses that are physically covid secure and have customer vaccine certificates.
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Assessment & feedback
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