Economic Update

Yasmin Qureshi Lab

Bolton South East

Question

The MP questions whether the Chancellor will introduce a loan moratorium to support businesses and individuals who have suffered due to the virus, particularly those in debt.

Minister reply

The minister assures that the Government is considering all options including moratoriums on loans and mortgages for those affected by the pandemic. He emphasises that these are exceptional times requiring bold measures.

Andrew Bridgen Con

North West Leicestershire

Question

The MP highlights the need for support in regions like his own, which have seen a significant rise in unemployment due to manufacturing closures.

Minister reply

The minister acknowledges the economic impact on specific regions and sectors and confirms that regional funding will be provided through the devolved administrations. He emphasises the importance of co-ordinated action with local authorities.

Grahame Morris Lab

Easington

Question

The MP seeks clarity on support for tenants in social housing, questioning if they will receive rent holidays similar to those offered to private sector businesses.

Minister reply

The minister commits to further discussions with the devolved administrations and local authorities regarding support for tenants in social housing. He stresses that measures are being considered on a case-by-case basis.

Chris Philp Con

Croydon South

Question

The MP raises concerns about small businesses in his constituency struggling to access loans under the new scheme.

Minister reply

The minister assures that efforts are being made to streamline the application process and provide support for smaller enterprises. He confirms that additional measures will be introduced if necessary.

John Martin McDonnell Lab

Hayes and Harlington

Question

The MP expressed disappointment that the Chancellor's package does not adequately address job losses, self-isolation pay for essential workers, rental protections, universal credit loans, and wage support. He also highlighted examples from other countries with more robust measures such as full income protection during sick leave.

Minister reply

In response, Rishi Sunak acknowledged the need for further measures to protect incomes over the coming days, announced plans by his Housing Secretary to protect renters through these difficult times, and confirmed that insurance contracts would be honoured. He emphasised the need for operationalisation of schemes at speed due to differences in existing systems compared to other countries.

Mel Stride Con

Central Devon

Question

These are truly shocking times and a great weight lies upon the shoulders of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor. I hope it is felt right across the House that we wish him every success in his endeavours to steer us through this crisis.

Minister reply

I thank my right hon. Friend for his thoughtful support. I can tell him that we are working on those proposals urgently and plan to have answers for both him and the House in the coming days, ideally next week.

David Davis Con

Goole and Pocklington

Question

I strongly welcome the Chancellor’s enormous loan and guarantee package. However, it is about supporting the liquidity of businesses rather than their long-term viability.

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend has made a good point. I believe that providing liquidity now ensures sustainability for the future, but he is right to identify the further steps that are needed.

Rachel Reeves Lab

Leeds West and Pudsey

Question

For those who are currently off work on statutory sick pay or are self-isolating for public health reasons, there is nothing in the Chancellor’s package of measures. Can he increase statutory sick pay to the level of the national living wage?

Minister reply

We have put £1 billion into the welfare system to provide extra financial security for those people, to speed up both access and the generosity of all those benefits.

Harriett Baldwin Con

West Worcestershire

Question

I know that those in the retail hospitality sector are very pleased. Can the Chancellor update us on what talks he and his colleagues are having with the supermarket industry about increasing capacity for home delivery?

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is engaged in urgent talks with supermarkets to ensure the security of our food supply and to improve accessibility.

Jess Phillips Lab

Birmingham Yardley

Question

I simply want to ask the Chancellor whether he could live on £94.25 per week, which is what most of my constituents are currently having to live on.

Minister reply

We believe in a strong safety net during a short period so that people can get through this, which is why we have strengthened that safety net with £1 billion of extra investment.

Iain Duncan Smith Con

Chingford and Woodford Green

Question

There is more to do in terms of employment measures. Can I please ask him to look at the voluntary sector, which will lose about £400 million during this next few months?

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend the Communities Secretary is talking already to the voluntary sector and we stand ready to provide the support that may be required.

Ed Miliband Lab

Doncaster North

Question

I recognise, as I am sure the whole House does, the Chancellor’s wish to get any employment support scheme right. Can he undertake to come back not next week but by Friday of this week with a clear plan developed with unions and businesses?

Minister reply

It is more important that we get this right than rush to things that will not work, but he can rest assured that we agree wholeheartedly with the ambitions of what he says.

George Freeman Con

Mid Norfolk

Question

In my rural and quite fragile economy, it is the pubs, high streets, small businesses, tourism and farming, and food processing that are the backbone of the economy. May I press him on the insurance point?

Minister reply

The steps today on insurance are welcome, but he is right to identify that retrospectively changing the situation that insurers would have reserved against could have a very significant impact.

Angela Eagle Lab

Wallasey

Question

The Chancellor must surely recognise that those on statutory sick pay are being asked to protect the rest of us, but take only £96 a week in income and live on that. He has to move fast to reassure people.

Minister reply

We have provided half a billion pounds specifically to local authorities to provide extra support, particularly to help people with housing costs.

Mark Eastwood

Question

Many mortgage payers in my constituency will welcome the three-month holiday announced today. However, can the Chancellor confirm whether this will be implemented automatically by the banks and mortgage lenders?

Minister reply

Borrowers can speak to their mortgage provider and they should receive a three-month mortgage holiday depending on their circumstance as explained.

Edward Davey Lib Dem

Kingston and Surbiton

Question

The economy is suffering a heart attack, deeper than in 2008. The Chancellor deserves constructive engagement from everyone in the House. While his package for businesses is large, many small businesses are worried about taking on debt. He also needs to go faster to give confidence to ordinary people who are suffering.

Minister reply

Thanked Mr Davey for his constructive attitude and confirmed that loan terms will be interest-free for six months and very cheap due to liquidity provided by the Bank of England. Loans will be accessible from next week.

John Redwood

Question

Welcomed recognition of burden-sharing on employment costs in badly affected sectors such as tourism, travel and hospitality; asked about a package for self-employed individuals.

Minister reply

Looked forward to receiving thoughts from Mr Redwood on measures.

Karen Buck

Question

Half of constituents rent privately, with many having no savings. Asked if the Chancellor will ensure that Housing Minister’s statement includes money for those on low incomes and in insecure employment.

Minister reply

Acknowledged that rent is a significant portion of household bills and stated that measures to address this issue would be outlined shortly.

Paul Holmes Con

Hamble Valley

Question

Many self-employed constituents are worried about their cash flow stopping. Asked when further announcements can be expected on how they will be helped.

Minister reply

Confirmed that loans available to businesses would also be available to those who are self-employed and provided information on business rate reliefs and grants.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

Question

Asked the Chancellor to ensure that the next step addresses keeping people in employment and supporting firms.

Minister reply

Stated that they would get it done at pace, protecting jobs as security for people.

Rehman Chishti

Question

Welcomed Chancellor’s statement and asked about support measures for football clubs in League 1 and 2 who rely on matchday income.

Minister reply

Stated that the clubs would be eligible for business rates relief measures and grants. Also mentioned that HMRC has activated Time to Pay, providing a deferral for tax payments with an agreed schedule for repayment.

Kevan Jones

Question

Businesses are laying off people today in County Durham; urged the Chancellor either to ensure benefits paid from day one or subsidise wages directly for some small businesses.

Minister reply

Confirmed that they want to protect jobs by working hardest and have strengthened welfare measures.

Henry Smith

Question

Asked when more details on support for the aviation industry will be given, citing examples of companies suffering deeply in his constituency.

Minister reply

Confirmed that they are already in contact with businesses through Treasury and Department for Transport.

Brendan O'Hara SNP

Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

Question

Asked the UK Government to work with Scottish Government to help arrange cargo flights into reopening markets for a company in Tarbert.

Minister reply

Agreed to ask his right hon. Friends to look at that.

Alun Cairns

Question

Paid tribute to the scale of the package and agreed on simplicity and commonality being key features; noted confusion in businesspeople before support was made available.

Minister reply

Agreed with Mr Cairns, stating that a simple, common message across the Union would make an enormous difference.

Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op

Cardiff South and Penarth

Question

Disappointed with tone from Alun Cairns; stated it is not coherent and asked Chancellor to work with Administrations for future announcements together.

Minister reply

Thanked Mr Doughty and confirmed that the Chief Secretary will talk with counterparts in devolved Administrations.

Robert Courts

Question

Welcomed package announced today but asked Chancellor to commit to looking at further help for self-employed people and A2 properties.

Minister reply

Acknowledged Mr Courts as a champion of the self-employed and confirmed that measures from last week's Budget will benefit them.

Pat McFadden Lab

Wolverhampton South East

Question

Asked Chancellor to commit now—in principle—to bringing forward a package for significant proportion of wages for those laid off as a result of crisis.

Minister reply

Confirmed commitment to urgent work being undertaken and investment in financial security available.

Natalie Elphicke Con

Dover

Question

At a time of national emergency and national need, Dover once again stands ready to do its duty. The Port of Dover, the hauliers and the ferry companies will be moving the goods, medicines and resources that are needed to keep our country safe and fed. Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that the port, transport, ferry companies, Border Force and all the hard-working local workers in my constituency will be given the necessary financial and practical assistance so that they can do their duty for our country?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the vital importance of our ports, particularly Dover. They are conduits for trade and everything else that our country needs at this critical time, and, of course, we stand ready to listen and hear what they need.

Chi Onwurah Lab

Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Question

Last night, a constituent in the hospitality trade contacted me to express concern at the Prime Minister’s measures and to ask what could be done about them. Today, she emailed me to say that she had been made redundant and to ask how she could pay her rent. The Chancellor does not seem to grasp the scale of the fear, the uncertainty and the desperation in the country now. Will he guarantee to me now that every renter will have the means to pay their rent, and every small business the means to pay their staff?

Minister reply

It is because of what was announced yesterday and the particular impact on the hospitality sector that today we have announced a series of steps of considerable support for that sector. As I have already said, when it comes to renting, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government will shortly be announcing measures to protect renters in these circumstances, and we have strengthened the safety net, the security, for people to fall back on.

John Hayes Con

South Holland and The Deepings

Question

In amplifying the point made by my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith), will the Chancellor specifically say whether the charitable sector will be eligible for both the rate holiday and the grant funding? It is critical that we help those whose aim, purpose and mission is to help others.

Minister reply

Most charities are already eligible for 80% charitable rate relief, but they will benefit from the new enhanced retail rate relief at 100%.

Catherine McKinnell Lab

Newcastle upon Tyne North

Question

The Chancellor has talked about courage, but I will tell him what takes courage: fighting this pandemic on the frontline without adequate protective clothing. Will he commit right now to doing whatever it takes to ensure that every single frontline healthcare worker has the protective clothing they need if they are working exposed to this virus?

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend the Health Secretary is working around the clock to support our healthcare workers to have everything they need to do the vital job that they are doing for us. They will get whatever support that they require.

Mark Harper Con

Question

I welcome the scale of what the Chancellor has announced. It is up to the mark. Some of his specific measures will be welcomed by constituents who have contacted me, but may I press him a little on the employment support package? I recognise the importance of coming up with a package that is deliverable, but I fear that if he is unable to say anything more urgently, he needs to give businesses the confidence to keep those employees employed, because some of them will be facing massive reductions in cash flow immediately. Will he look at what he can say quicker than next week to give them the confidence that they will be supported in due course?

Minister reply

I very much appreciate the strains that business cash flows are under, which is why, today, we have already taken steps with the announcement of new cash grants of £10,000, £25,000 and an extension of the business rate holiday to thousands more businesses.

Yvette Cooper Lab

Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Question

The health action that is being put in place is essential to save lives, but does the Chancellor accept that that also means that some of the jobs that are going this week and the redundancies that are being made will not come back in a hurry, because many hospitality, leisure and tourism jobs simply cannot be done at a social distance? Does he accept that there is a gap between the employment support package that he is rightly working on, I hope, as fast as possible and the welfare support that is simply not adequate for the huge numbers of people who are going to be urgently losing their jobs and who will be terrified of losing their homes as well?

Minister reply

We have strengthened the security and the safety net for those in that situation, but the right hon. Lady is right that we are urgently working on measures to do more.

Aaron Bell Con

Question

I asked for more firepower at half-past 4 this afternoon, and it is fair to say that the Chancellor has delivered. However, a number of businesses whose entire model has been undermined, such as village pubs and restaurants, are facing a very uncertain year. On that note, may I ask him what he proposes that they should do? Does he welcome the announcement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government that such businesses can now operate as takeaways, which will help to solve some of the problems of self-isolation as well?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point about the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and what he has done. I think that it will make an enormous difference, as will the cash support that we have provided today to pubs and restaurants in his constituency and elsewhere across the country.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Question

This is a welcome step in the right direction—there is much to welcome in the Chancellor’s announcement—but the family reliant on a zero-hours-contract hospitality worker’s salary or the self-employed tradesman whose cash flow has dried up want to know how this money will reach their bank account. What prevents the Chancellor from introducing a coronavirus universal basic income in his package of new measures which, in itself, would give confidence to thousands of Welsh workers and beyond?

Minister reply

We have already taken steps to strengthen the safety net that the right hon. Lady has mentioned in particular. They will be eligible for those enhanced packages, and beyond that, we are looking to do more, as she knows, in the employment support field.

Tim Loughton Con

East Worthing and Shoreham

Question

These measures are indeed bold, and will provide practical support. I particularly look forward to further information about renters and measures for the childcare and nursery sector, which was generally omitted from the Budget last week and is in a fragile state. The hospitality industry, which the Chancellor rightly singled out—it is our third largest industry—is laying off people, and the number of customers has absolutely collapsed. I am told that they are approaching banks and being told, “We may be able to get something for you in April.” Can he instil a sense of urgency in the banks and make sure that the grants from central Government are immediate so that people do not have to wait for them, which could make the difference to their being there in a few weeks’ time or not?

Minister reply

I can tell my hon. Friend that the grant schemes are being delivered in the coming weeks. Businesses will receive a letter from local authorities. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government is doing that work at pace. With regard to the loan schemes, that will not take until April—they will be ready to access for business from the start of next week.

Beth Winter Con

Crewe and Nantwich

Question

The Chancellor says that we have to do whatever it takes, and I completely agree with him, but that must apply to everyone in the UK. I cannot believe that every step of the way we, the fifth richest nation in the world, have to battle for the poorest and those who are struggling the most in our communities, including in my constituency—homeless people, those who do not qualify for statutory sick pay, private renters and families on low incomes. When will we stop debating and start the action that is desperately needed?

Minister reply

I refer the hon. Lady to the measures in the Budget last week, particularly on homelessness and rough sleeping. We announced £640 million to build 6,000 more units and to provide support for substance abuse support services, once people are off the streets, to help them tackle their long-term addictions. That money will make an enormous difference and build on the good work of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Greg Clark Con

Islington North

Question

It was not possible for ordinary businesses and working people to anticipate the scale of the most severe public health crisis for 100 years, so does the Chancellor accept that for many businesses the nation has to act, not so much as a lender of last resort, but as a collective insurer of last resort, meeting their unmet operating costs if they are to keep people employed and inoculate against economic contagion?

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend is right to highlight the need to provide support for businesses with their fixed costs, rather than their variable ones. That is what we need to help bridge through—the cash grants today related to rateable value, with reference directly to rent payments—but he is right that other fixed costs are people, which is why we are working up measures in that area.

Nick Smith Lab

Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney

Question

The measures in the Red Book are nowhere near enough. For families in need, can statutory sick payments be available from day one, for all workers when they are sick, and can it be set at the level of the national minimum wage?

Minister reply

As a result of the actions of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, SSP is available for those who are eligible for it from day one. Regulations are being laid to that effect, and employment and support allowance will also be available from day one, rather than day eight.

Damian Green Con

Ashford

Question

The measures announced by my right hon. Friend are extremely welcome, and he should be congratulated on them. For many people, including freelancers and those working in the gig economy, the most vital thing over the next few weeks will be some kind of guarantee of continuing income, so they can know that they can continue to pay their bills. Will those measures and the ones that he says are to come over the next few days guarantee that vital help?

Minister reply

Many of the workers in the gig economy will benefit from statutory sick pay, depending on their exact contractual relationship with their employers, but the measures that we undertook last week in the Budget will provide direct support to those people.

Catherine West Lab

Hornsey and Friern Barnet

Question

What contingency will be put aside by the Treasury to assist in recruiting more social care workers, who are desperately needed to look after people in their homes as they fall ill?

Minister reply

As I reiterated last week, we will provide whatever is required to public services. My right hon. Friend the Health Secretary is working with the Local Government Secretary to understand exactly what is required in social care.

Huw Merriman

Question

May I ask him to consider pre-schools and nurseries? They pay business rates, so will not receive the £10,000, but they are not within the category of hospitality, retail and leisure. Mine have been in to see me today and they are very worried.

Minister reply

I thank my hon. Friend for his comments and am happy to look at what he is saying.

Meg Hillier Lab Co-op

Hackney South and Shoreditch

Question

Many of my constituents are freelancers. One wrote to me unable to pay his rent or bills in the next couple of weeks. That is how urgent the situation is. Can the Chancellor give any comfort tonight for people who are very worried?

Minister reply

For those people, the measures that we took last week will already start to help from day one. The Work and Pensions Secretary has already put in place support to make sure that access to the security that they need is both faster and more generous than it was.

Caroline Nokes Con

Romsey and Southampton North

Question

The events industry is not only highly seasonal but full of people working on a self-employed basis. Given that this season has pretty much been wiped out, what reassurance can my right hon. Friend give the industry that he is looking to its needs?

Minister reply

I am happy to look specifically at the issue that my right hon. Friend has raised, but the measures that we took last week will provide immediate support to many of her constituents in that situation.

Alan Brown

Question

I was contacted today by a constituent who is self-isolating and has underlying health conditions. She was trying to get a food delivery, which she vitally needs. Tesco could only do it within 10 days, while other suppliers would take three weeks. There is clearly a massive issue, probably a combination of stock levels and delivery logistics.

Minister reply

The hon. Gentleman is right that the security of our food supply and deliveries is critical. My right hon. Friend the Environment Secretary is already having those conversations and has already taken steps on delivery curfews to ensure that deliveries can continue and to maintain the security of those supply chains.

Steve Brine

Question

Today is a very good part 1; the Chancellor would be the first to admit that it is part 1—he obviously has a lot of other ongoing workstreams. I do not know what he has done with the mortgage lenders, but so many of my constituents and people across the country will be incredibly pleased about the three-month holiday.

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is always a champion of his commuting constituents. I am happy to have that conversation with the Transport Secretary to see what we can do to encourage companies—whether mortgage companies or others—to help people through this difficult time.

Stephen Timms Lab

East Ham

Question

For somebody who is self-employed, self-isolation will often mean giving up their income. The advice is to claim benefit, but all someone gets with universal credit in the first five weeks is a loan.

Minister reply

Depending on the particular circumstances of the person who is self-employed, they may well qualify for ESA, which is also available from day one now, rather than day eight.

David Mundell Con

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

Question

I was very pleased this evening when Nicola Sturgeon confirmed to me promptly that every penny of the likely £1.9 billion that the Scottish Government will receive as a result of today’s announcement will go directly to businesses and individuals.

Minister reply

I can tell my right hon. Friend that we have had extensive discussions with the banks just this week, and they have outlined their forbearance measures. I very much expect them to honour those commitments.

Zarah Sultana Your Party

Coventry South

Question

Today the Government have announced a mortgage holiday for homeowners, and that is welcome, but they have made the political choice not to give a rent suspension to millions of tenants. The average rent is £220 a week. Statutory sick pay is £94.25 a week.

Minister reply

The hon. Lady talks about other countries. If she looks at the overall scale of the fiscal interventions that we have outlined last week and this week, she will see they are more significant than almost every other country.

Sarah Atherton

Question

The Welsh Labour Government stand to gain £1.6 billion as a consequence of coronavirus.

Minister reply

As I said before, we will get through this as one United Kingdom. We have provided Barnett consequentials early and in advance to devolved authorities, and I very much hope that we can take a joint approach to supporting businesses, public services and individuals through this difficult time.

Clive Efford Lab

Eltham and Chislehurst

Question

The notes that have been handed out from the Vote Office tonight say “Statement to the Press”, not to the House of Commons. I do not think there is any difference between what the Chancellor has said to the House and what was said to the press earlier on, and that should not happen again.

Minister reply

As we have already outlined, in addition to the extensive loan guarantee scheme, we have also announced significant cash grants to business to provide immediate cash flow relief to them.

Andrew Griffith Con

Arundel and South Downs

Question

Difficult times require bold measures, and I commend my right hon. Friend for twice in the space of a week coming to this House and demonstrating that he will do whatever it takes.

Minister reply

I thank my hon. Friend for his support. With regard to the exhibition sector, those that have physical properties and business rates will be eligible for the scheme that we announced today and the cash grant.

Sam Tarry

Question

The RSA recently pointed out that 32% of workers in this country live on less than £500 a month in terms of savings, and 41% have less than £1,000 in the bank. That means there could be as many as 20 million people living from one pay cheque to the next.

Minister reply

We already took extensive measures last week to strengthen our safety net for vulnerable people. I firmly believe that the best way to help all people through this is to protect their jobs, and that is why the actions we have taken today to support business cash flows provide the best means of doing exactly that.

Steve Double Con

St Ives

Question

I warmly welcome the bold and decisive steps that the Chancellor has taken today, which will be welcomed by many businesses in mid-Cornwall, particularly those in the hospitality sector. I want to raise something that many Members have already raised—the self-employed and small businesses that do not own premises and therefore will not benefit from the measures on business rates and grants. Many people such as taxi drivers, window cleaners, electricians and plumbers have overheads that are not rent, because they are keeping vehicles on the roads. Will he urgently look at what he can do to get cash to those people, so that they can keep their businesses going?

Minister reply

I am happy to look at all the measures that my hon. Friend suggested. The steps we took last week will provide immediate support for those people, and the further measures that are coming will provide a degree of relief for those who have property and small businesses. Of course, they will be able to access the loans that we have talked about, but he is right to highlight the importance of those who are self-employed. They deserve our support, and indeed, last week and this week they are getting it.

Chris Elmore Lab

Bridgend

Question

Following the previous question, I want to press the Chancellor on sole traders. There are measures on taxation that he could introduce quickly to support sole traders. Many in my constituency are very worried that they will not benefit from any of the Chancellor’s proposals laid out last week or today. Will the Chancellor look at that specific area with Treasury officials, the devolved Governments and anybody else who could support sole traders?

Minister reply

I am happy to hear those suggestions from the hon. Gentleman. He will have noted the comments made by the Chief Secretary earlier in relation to IR35, and HMRC has activated its time to pay service, but if he sends me the details, I will happily look at that.

Richard Drax Con

South Dorset

Question

I commend my hon. Friend for this raft of packages, although Members on both sides of the House clearly feel that there is still a lot more to do. I shudder at the administrative task ahead of him to ensure that all this money gets to the right people at the right time. Should we not bring back the small bank branches that have closed over the years, particularly in rural communities that simply do not have access to them?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of rural communities. My right hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury has done a sterling job of preserving access to cash for those communities, and we have said that we will legislate to do more, but in the short term, we will keep that under review.

Stuart McDonald SNP

Glasgow South

Question

May I ask the Chancellor again whether he will work with the Home Office to revisit its rules on no recourse to public funds? If it does not revisit those rules, thousands of the most vulnerable people in this country will not have access even to the most basic support to see them through this crisis.

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary is talking to all Departments about the resources that they require to get through these challenging few months.

Kevin Hollinrake Con

Thirsk and Malton

Question

I warmly welcome this package of support for small businesses, which has been warmly welcomed by a number of businesspeople who have already contacted me. The business interruption loan scheme is a key part of this, but some lenders cannot access that scheme because they are not registered with the British Business Bank, and it would take months for them to do so. Will the Chancellor act now to ensure that all lenders can access that scheme?

Minister reply

I thank my hon. Friend for his comments. He is right: we want this scheme to be available through as many branches and outlets as possible. We are urgently working with the Prudential Regulation Authority to see whether we can onboard new providers at pace. He will understand that there are regulatory requirements, but we are seeing what we can do to speed that up.

Lilian Greenwood Lab

Nottingham South

Question

I welcome the increase in the small business grant to £10,000, and I understand that those grants will be distributed by local authorities. What assessment has the Chancellor made of the capacity of local councils to deliver that help, and when will businesses actually receive the money?

Minister reply

As a former local government Minister, I have amazing faith in the capacity of our local authorities to deliver for us in this regard. They are being provided with extra resources to help deal with the administration of this money, and my right hon. Friend the Communities Secretary is already working at pace to ensure that the rebilling and processing of these grants happens in a matter of days and weeks.

Stephen Hammond Con

Wimbledon

Question

I warmly commend my right hon. Friend for this package. The support for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors is welcome, but he could make it even more effective if he extended the same package to those who are in the supply chain of those industries and the businesses that disproportionately supply customers for those industries, such as English language schools.

Minister reply

My hon. Friend makes an interesting point, and that is why all Secretaries of State have been tasked by me to engage with their affected industries to see whether there are further specific measures of support that are worth our exploring.

Naseem Shah Lab

Bradford West

Question

I welcome the Chancellor’s measures for small businesses, and especially in my constituency lots of people have been in touch with us about them, but they will only be effective if they are timely, so when will the cash grants be available to small businesses in real terms? Will he also consider the idea that, when landlords get mortgage breaks, they pass them on to their renters, and how will we ensure that actually happens?

Minister reply

On the processing of the cash grants, as I have said, my right hon. Friend the Communities Secretary is working on this at pace. It will require local authorities to write to the recipients of small business rate relief to collect their bank details, which they do not hold centrally, so that they can then provide the cash payment, but I can assure the hon. Member that that work is happening at pace.

Mark Pawsey Con

Rugby

Question

Businesses in the hospitality sector will appreciate the relief the Chancellor has given on business rates and the cash grants, but can I raise the question of suppliers to the sector, many of which have seen their sales fall off a cliff? In particular, there are those with short-dated products, such as Wood Farm micro-brewery in my constituency, which produces an excellent product but has £20,000 of short-dated stock with four weeks’ life left on it, and stands to bear a pretty substantial loss as a consequence. Is there something that can be done to support businesses such as these?

Minister reply

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that particular case, and I am happy to have a look at it.

Emma Lewell-Buck Lab

South Shields

Question

The Prime Minister’s public health advice to avoid pubs, restaurants and theatres was not coupled with immediate economic protections, causing panic and upset for the small businesses, the self-employed and those on zero-hours contracts who form the backbone of coastal constituencies such as mine. The measures announced today do not address their concerns. They struggle with high rents and high bills, and my friends have lost their jobs today. Today, the grafters should have been a priority. When will they be?

Minister reply

The package of measures today does specifically provide cash support to those in that sector to help with things like rent, but I make no apology for our being led by the public health response. This is first and foremost a public health emergency, and we will be led by responding to that. Of course, the economy is foremost in our minds, and I will always respond quickly and rapidly to any changes in the public health advice.

John Baron Con

Basildon and Brentwood

Question

I commend the Chancellor for this package of measures as far as they go, and we understand that it is a moving narrative, but I particularly urge him to focus on the importance of cash flow when it comes to smaller businesses and the self-employed. However, can I raise with him a group of people who so far have not been mentioned, which is the elderly and the vulnerable who live alone? There is a real risk in a situation such as this that they get inadvertently overlooked, and we need to reach out to them. Would the Chancellor consider providing appropriate support for local authorities to do just that—to identify them, locate them and make contact, because no one should be left behind?

Minister reply

I can tell my hon. Friend that he is absolutely right, and the Communities and Local Government Secretary has already been engaging on this particular issue, working together with the Health Secretary with regard to social care, to make sure that, in our local communities, we can identify and protect the elderly and most vulnerable, and make sure that they get the support that they need.

Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem

North East Fife

Question

A constituent of mine in the Howe of Fife, who is self-employed, has contacted me today because she is worried about her future employment and how she will pay her mortgage and support her family. Although I welcome the Chancellor’s moves in relation to mortgages, the fact is that mortgage products often have payment holidays as part of them. Given that these are the first steps, may I ask the Chancellor, first, is this going to be for people who are directly impacted by coronavirus, or is it potentially for people who are self-isolating as they are at risk of getting an infection; and secondly, is he considering other measures to support my constituent, such as statutory sick pay for the self-employed or, indeed, council tax relief?

Minister reply

I say to the hon. Lady that I think the measures today on mortgage forbearance are significant and welcome, and banks will show flexibility in providing that. In regard to council tax support, we did provide £500 million of hardship funding to local authorities specifically to use and deploy through their local council tax or support systems that already exist to provide extra support to people with their council tax bills.

Martin Vickers Con

Brigg and Immingham

Question

I welcome the Chancellor’s package, but he will recognise that many of our constituents remain anxious and we look forward to further measures. He rightly mentioned the aviation sector, which could lose many thousands of jobs. At a more local level, bus and coach operators will suffer as a result of people staying home. They provide a vital service to get NHS workers, for example, to and from work. Could he have a word with his colleague in the Department for Transport and ensure that bus operators are looked after?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend makes a good point and I will certainly take that up with the Transport Secretary.

Mike Amesbury

Question

If Denmark can offer 70% subsidies, why can’t the Chancellor provide similar support?

Minister reply

The Chancellor acknowledges the principle of providing support but emphasises that other countries had schemes in place beforehand. The UK is working on measures at pace and considers fiscal interventions taken between this week and last week as significant.

Bob Seely

Question

Can more be done to support social enterprises and ensure small businesses can access grants swiftly?

Minister reply

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government will have been in touch with local councils who process these grants. It is up to the councils how quickly they can act.

Alex Davies-Jones Lab Co-op

Pontypridd

Question

What conversations are taking place between the Chancellor and the Welsh Government regarding financial relief for businesses affected by flooding and coronavirus?

Minister reply

The Chancellor highlighted funding announced in last week's Budget to rebuild flood defences, provide new resilience funding, and protect 300,000 people. He also mentioned the work of the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on activating the Bellwin scheme.

Jason McCartney

Question

When will details be provided for support to renters, self-employed individuals, freelancers, and how soon will cash grants reach businesses?

Minister reply

Measures to help those who are self-employed and in the gig economy have already been implemented last week. Cash grants from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government are expected to be delivered within days or weeks.

David Linden

Question

What support is available for sole traders affected by coronavirus?

Minister reply

The measures announced last week will benefit those who are self-employed and sole traders, including property owners eligible for business rate relief and those receiving cash grants.

Felicity Buchan

Question

Will the Chancellor provide support to small businesses with rateable values over £51,000?

Minister reply

Any business in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sector will now qualify for 100% business rates relief regardless of its rateable value.

Alex Norris Lab Co-op

Nottingham North and Kimberley

Question

Can businesses be assured that their finances will be safe if they follow health advice and keep staff on payroll?

Minister reply

The measures announced today, including business rate holidays, direct cash grants, and accessible financing, should reassure businesses about the safety of their financial situation.

Derek Thomas

Question

What can be done to help fragile economies on remote islands like the Isles of Scilly?

Minister reply

Measures announced today for business rates and direct cash grants should make a significant difference to local businesses in his constituency.

Gavin Robinson DUP

Belfast East

Question

What criteria will apply for the facility providing business interruption payments?

Minister reply

The basic criterion is that a business was sensible and well-traded before facing the current crisis. Loans should be provided through banks with government guarantees.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Question

Should payment quarterly and in advance be tolerated for commercial lets?

Minister reply

Prompt payment is highlighted as important during this time, urging all businesses to act accordingly.

Diana R. Johnson Lab Co-op

Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

Question

Why can statutory sick pay not be paid at the real living wage rate?

Minister reply

The existing support network, including an NHS that is free at the point of use, extends beyond statutory sick pay. An extra £1 billion was invested last week to strengthen this safety net.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Con

North Cotswolds

Question

What support can be provided for those losing jobs due to cancelled contracts?

Minister reply

Strengthening the security and safety net last week helps, but ensuring employers get through this crisis so that people can return to their jobs as soon as possible is the best approach.

Wes Streeting Lab Co-op

Ilford North

Question

What immediate plans are there for providing income protection and deferring tax payments?

Minister reply

Steps have been taken to strengthen the safety net, and individuals can contact HMRC's Time To Pay service online or by phone.

Virginia Crosbie

Question

Will additional funding be made available quickly for small businesses across Wales?

Minister reply

Barnett consequentials have been made available in advance to enable devolved authorities to plan and execute their measures swiftly.

Toby Perkins Lab

Chesterfield

Question

Businesses face collapsing revenues and the biggest part of the Chancellor’s response is to invite them to take on substantially more debt. That will not save people’s jobs. For the Chancellor to compare that £330 billion, which is a guarantee he may never have to spend, with President Macron’s package in France is absurd.

Minister reply

Far from being absurd, President Macron yesterday announced exactly €300 billion in loan guarantee schemes.

Robert Largan

Question

People and businesses are struggling right now. May I urge the Chancellor to make certain that loans and grants are paid and put into people’s bank accounts as soon as possible?

Minister reply

The steps we are taking are designed to work at pace. Loan schemes will be available from early next week and grant payments through local authorities in coming days.

Abena Oppong-Asare Lab

Erith and Thamesmead

Question

A constituent’s business collapsed this week, and the scrapping of business rates does not help. Will the Chancellor clearly set out how he will help small businesses?

Minister reply

We have outlined a package to support small businesses, including £10,000 grants for 700,000 smallest businesses.

Philip Hollobone

Question

What role will local authorities play in getting business support to local businesses and what extra support will they get?

Minister reply

Local authorities will have an active role and be provided with extra resource funding for the additional administration.

Stephen Farry

Question

Would a universal basic income or flat payments not be more efficient and effective than the current measures?

Minister reply

Our approach represents a sensible, coherent way to tackle the problem with targeted measures that will make a significant difference.

Greg Smith Con

Mid Buckinghamshire

Question

Can he confirm whether event hire companies are included in the envelope of leisure and hospitality?

Minister reply

Those that have business properties will be eligible for relief and grants, but if they do not have premises, other measures will apply.

Helen Hayes Lab

Dulwich and West Norwood

Question

The Chancellor did not mention private renters in his statement. Will he guarantee that no one will lose their home as a consequence of coronavirus?

Minister reply

The Housing Secretary will bring forward measures to protect renters urgently.

Peter Aldous

Question

If the Chancellor is using the benefits system to support those ineligible for sick pay, should he take on board concerns raised about universal credit?

Minister reply

We stand ready to do more and ensure that our voluntary sector gets support.

Charlotte Nichols Lab

Warrington North

Question

What measures will the Government take to ensure landlords who benefit from mortgage holidays do not profit by having their pockets lined by tenants still expected to pay rent?

Minister reply

The Housing Secretary will outline measures to protect renters.

Richard Graham

Question

When will business interruption loans be available and how quickly will applications be processed? Will the Communities Secretary’s package cover renters, self-employed, nurseries, community groups, kindergartens and charities?

Minister reply

The loan programme will be available from early next week with applications processed at speed.

Bill Esterson Lab

Sefton Central

Question

Will businesses want to be saddled with debt when they have no income and no means of paying it back? How will the loan guarantee scheme be delivered by banks?

Minister reply

Compared to previous schemes, the generosity of Government guarantees is increased significantly. Banks have assured delivery and unlocked £21 billion extra lending capacity.

Danny Kruger Reform

East Wiltshire

Question

Will the Chancellor work with other parts of Government to ensure that state’s contracts, particularly with social enterprises, charities, and social businesses can be flexed?

Minister reply

I will raise this point with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Kerry McCarthy Lab Co-op

Bristol East

Question

Can the Chancellor clarify whether community interest companies will be treated in the same way as other small companies when it comes to being able to apply for £10,000 grants?

Minister reply

I do not have a precise answer at this moment but I will look into the matter and write back.

Mike Wood Con

Kingswinford and South Staffordshire

Question

A firm must lay off 200 workers and halve pay of 100 more because bookings are close to zero. How much longer should it hold off?

Minister reply

The business will benefit from forward business rate relief and immediate cash support through grants.

Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op

Feltham and Heston

Question

Why won’t the Chancellor provide to British businesses the same reassurance that President Macron has provided, namely that no business will go bankrupt?

Minister reply

We have gone a step further with £330 billion of loan guarantees, equivalent to 15% of our GDP.

Owen Thompson

Question

The introduction and increase of grants is a welcome step in the right direction, but a number of food and drink producers in my constituency have seen the outlet for their produce dry up, so what additional support can be offered to help keep such companies afloat?

Minister reply

The measures announced today, whether the loan or other guarantee schemes, will be of significant support to those businesses, and the measures we announced last week will also help the employees. As I have said previously, we are looking at more measures in all areas, and I will update the House as things develop.

Gerald Jones Lab

Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare

Question

All our constituents will require realistic statutory sick pay if they are required to self-isolate. Will the Chancellor do whatever it takes to ensure that happens, and will he include the self-employed and those on zero-hours contracts in his measures?

Minister reply

As previously discussed, depending on people’s particular employment circumstances, they might well be eligible for statutory sick pay even though they are self-employed or in the gig economy. We have already taken measures to ensure that they are eligible for those benefits and for employment and support allowance from day one, rather than day four and day eight respectively, and we have further strengthened the safety net with an investment of £1 billion.

Mike Kane Lab

Wythenshawe and Sale East

Question

Hundreds upon hundreds of aviation workers in my constituency were sent home today. Coronavirus has devastated the airline industry. Because they had less than three years’ experience, 21 days’ pay is all they get, with no prospect of a job going forward. Can the Chancellor give us more information on the aviation package that he has announced tonight?

Minister reply

We are in active dialogue with the key companies in the sector, both airlines and airports, to discuss what specific support might be required. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the measures that individual companies might want to engage with us on, but the hon. Gentleman can rest assured that we are working hard for the industry.

Claudia Webbe

Question

Given the acceleration of the virus and the collapse of the aviation industry, which means that there is no prospect of any deportation charter flights leaving the UK, and given that there is no testing, it seems inhumane and unjustified to continue to raid the homes of my constituents, especially those who have underlying health conditions or are self-isolating, and put them into detention centres indefinitely, at great expense and in poorly sanitised conditions. That puts the lives of my constituents in danger and violates their human rights. Detentions and deportations by charter flight are barbaric and costly. The outbreak of covid-19 further underlines their cruelty and expense. Will the Chancellor urge the Home Secretary to end them immediately?

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is doing an excellent job, making sure that our borders are secure and that we enforce our laws as required, but in a way that is humane and compatible with all human rights. I am sure that she will do exactly that as we go through the challenging next few months.

Matt Western Lab

Warwick and Leamington

Question

The Chancellor will be aware that in certain business sectors, the loss of just one or two people in specialised roles from an organisation can bring down a business. France and Italy are reviving the approach adopted in a global financial crash of supporting workers with a proportion of their wages. Will the Chancellor do the same here?

Minister reply

As I have said, we are considering employment support packages and what can be designed and implemented at pace. As for other countries, let me again put it on record that the fiscal interventions we have undertaken are comparable in size with those of any other major developed economy.

Kate Green

Question

There is huge fear, and also confusion, among my constituents this evening about a range of issues: whether measures will apply to start-ups, what will happen to VAT on advance sales, the position of businesses in the hospital supply chain, and what will happen if a freelancer cannot work because he or she must look after a family member who has been sent home. May I suggest to the Chancellor that local authorities will not have the capacity to deal with all those queries while they are doing many other things, including delivering vital services? It would be very helpful if a dedicated MP hotline could be set up to deal with such questions, so that we could go to one Government location to help our constituents.

Minister reply

I shall be happy to look at that suggestion. The hon. Lady also asked a specific question about VAT on postponed accounting. I am actively considering that, in terms of when we are scheduled to introduce it and whether it could be improved.

Darren Henry

Question

Small businesses in my constituency will welcome their eligibility for grants of £10,000, up from £3,000 last week. How will they receive information on how to gain access to those funds, if, indeed, they qualify?

Minister reply

If those businesses are already receiving small business rate relief, that will be known to the local authorities, which will shortly be writing to them to request their financial details so that they can process the grant payments. If businesses have not heard in short order, they can get in touch with their local authorities.

Janet Daby Lab

Lewisham East

Question

Food banks are used by 1.6 million people, 250,000 more than the number indicated by the previous year’s data, and the demand will increase. Food banks rely on the surplus from supermarkets, and on people’s food donations. What is the Chancellor’s contingency plan to address this very serious issue?

Minister reply

My right hon. Friend the Environment Secretary is engaging actively with supermarkets to make sure that all aspects of our food supply are secure, including deliveries and ensuring that everyone receives the food that they need during this time.

Kevin Brennan

Question

The Chancellor needs to be more than a desiccated calculating machine. When he answers questions, we need to hear talk about people, not just packages. Will he look at early-day motion 302, which I tabled and which advocates a universal basic income—particularly for freelancers and the self-employed—as a temporary measure during this crisis, and will he pledge to return to the House, rather than just making an announcement through the press, to tell us what he is going to do about these employment measures?

Minister reply

The hon. Gentleman talks about packages to support business. They are not divorced from people’s circumstances; they are directly helping people’s circumstances. The way to help people is to secure their employment, now and in the future, and that is what these packages are designed to do, which is why they will make a real difference to people on the ground.

Gavin Newlands

Question

The Chancellor is already late with support for aviation. Airlines, airports, and support services such as baggage handlers have already announced, or are strongly considering announcing, significant job cuts. Can the Chancellor reassure them that they do not need to do that, and that he will follow other Governments such as that of New Zealand, which announced £35 billion worth of direct wage subsidies to keep not just those jobs but all jobs safe?

Minister reply

We have announced our own range of fiscal measures to help businesses to protect jobs, with particular reference to the airline industry. As I have said, my right hon. Friend the Transport Secretary and I are actively engaging with the companies and the airports in that sector to establish what support is required.

Jeff Smith Lab

Manchester Withington

Question

A lot of my constituents work in the events and leisure industry; many are self-employed freelancers. I spoke to one today, who told me that she earns a large proportion of her annual income during the summer event and festival season. She is going to lose that this year. Given that it could be another year before she is able to get back on her feet, can I urge the Chancellor to come back with a package of support for people like her—ideally grant support, a long-term package for individuals in that sector?

Minister reply

Those in the leisure and hospitality and the retail sectors are of course particularly impacted by what we are experiencing, which is why the package of measures announced today builds on what was announced last week and goes to the heart of that industry to provide direct cash support and business rate relief. The measures we announced last week also provide support to those who are self-employed.

Apsana Begum Lab

Poplar and Limehouse

Question

I, like many others in this House, have been contacted by constituents who are extremely anxious and worried about the uncertainty and disruption in the months ahead. This includes constituents who are self-isolating, especially those who are expected to self-isolate for extended periods, who may face loneliness and other mental health challenges. Is the Chancellor planning to allocate any funding to address this?

Minister reply

I very much appreciate people’s anxiety at this difficult time. With regard to those who are self-isolating, we have already made changes to our welfare system to ensure that those people qualify for the support that they deserve. With regard to public services support, as I have said, the Communities Secretary and the Health Secretary are actively engaging with those sectors to understand whether there is extra support that is required.

Alex Sobel Lab Co-op

Leeds Central and Headingley

Question

The reality is that for businesses and workers this crisis is going to last for many months. Has the Chancellor considered a much more interventionist microeconomic policy? For instance, has he thought about repurposing the businesses shutting now—hotels, restaurants, music venues, theatres—as infection rates rapidly rise?

Minister reply

That would be a question for my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary, who is actively engaged in making sure that we can increase the capacity of our health service to cope with the next few months and is considering a range of measures, but we will do whatever it takes to make sure that we have the capacity we need to help those who fall sick at this time.

Chris Stephens SNP

Glasgow North East

Question

The Government effectively discouraged UK citizens from entering sectors of the economy that traditionally offer low-paid and precarious employment. Is it the Chancellor’s intention, when he talks to trade unions and business over the next few days, to enter into those discussions with the principle that the wages of those who jobs are under threat, whose shifts have been cancelled and whose hours have been cut will be protected?

Minister reply

The Government telling people not to visit certain places or holding back from them was based on the advice of scientists and medical experts to ensure our health as a country is protected. The measures announced today directly go to help those in these industries to protect their jobs. We will work urgently with the unions and businesses to see what further measures can be put in place.

Andrew Slaughter Lab

Hammersmith and Chiswick

Question

Many decisions the Government have taken on isolation, at-risk groups and testing limit the ability of NHS staff to go to work. It is easy to say, “Whatever it takes,” but how can we be sure that our hospitals in particular have the resources to save every life that can be saved?

Minister reply

We take the advice of the chief medical officer and will continue to do so. We have been clear that the NHS will get whatever financial support is needed from the Government to help us through a very challenging time. We are considering all measures to increase NHS capacity to respond, as well as providing support to those on the frontline who will deal with difficult months ahead.

Sarah Olney Lib Dem

Richmond Park

Question

I welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to making sure that jobs are saved and people can stay in work, but I wonder whether he agrees that by structuring his package around loans rather than grants, he actually loses some control over what the money is spent on. Therefore, he cannot be certain that the money is going to be spent most effectively in pursuit of this objective.

Minister reply

The interventions include not just loans but also grants and tax relief on business rates, as well as deferral of tax payments through time to pay and reimbursement for statutory sick pay. These measures will improve the cash flow of businesses in the short term to help them bridge through a temporary dislocation so they can emerge without losing productive capacity or jobs.

Daniel Zeichner Lab

Cambridge

Question

Making announcements is one thing, but operationalising at speed is quite another. Can the Chancellor be more precise about the resources available for the civil service and local councils? A simple example—a Canadian nurse phoned my office today so frustrated that she cannot help the NHS because we cannot sort out the equivalent qualifications. It will be the same for many others, particularly Bangladeshi nurses working in the care sector.

Minister reply

I am happy to take on board this suggestion from the hon. Gentleman and raise it with the Health Secretary, who is actively looking at ways to bring extra people into the NHS to help respond to this crisis. There are a range of options and flexibilities we should consider.

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