Covid-19 Support for Self-employed People 2021-04-27
2021-04-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about the fiscal support available to the self-employed as UK moves towards reopening post-pandemic.
What fiscal steps are being taken to support self-employed individuals as coronavirus restrictions ease?
The Government has announced that the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will continue until September, with fourth and fifth grants. This scheme is one of the most generous for self-employed people globally, providing certainty to businesses as the economy reopens.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns raised about individuals excluded from SEISS grants and universal credit support during the crisis.
Is it not true that under this Chancellor, the Tories are seen as unfriendly towards freelancers? With 3 million people potentially excluded from all grants and universal credit, leading to bankruptcies and suicides, what is being done for those left behind?
The SEISS scheme remains one of the most generous globally. The Government is working hard with those groups affected by exclusions but due to tax system design, extending schemes has been challenging despite efforts.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for those excluded from SEISS and universal credit
It Has Not Been Possible To Extend The Schemes
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Over 900,000 individuals, including many from the creative sector, are at risk of leaving their profession due to lack of support during the crisis.
Given that over 900,000 people who were self-employed at the start of the pandemic now face exiting their sectors as restrictions ease, does the Minister agree that insufficient support for the unrepresented self-employed risks damaging the economic recovery?
The majority of self-employed individuals are indeed covered, thus the hon. Gentleman's concern is misplaced. Economic changes are expected in a dynamic economy; focus should be on surviving this unprecedented crisis.
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Assessment & feedback
Concerns about insufficient support for unrepresented self-employed people
Of Course There Will Always Be Change In Employments Of Different Kinds
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
710,000 freelancers who rely on dividends have missed out on support schemes due to concerns over fraud.
In a letter acknowledging that 710,000 freelance workers relying on dividends are not covered by SEISS or universal credit because of fraud prevention measures, why has the Government given up on providing adequate support despite having a year to implement safeguards?
The Financial Secretary responded comprehensively, noting many freelancers have other forms of income and the Government is working with groups to see if others can be included in schemes.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for dividend-reliant freelancers not covered by SEISS or universal credit
It Has Not Been Possible To Support Everyone
Response accuracy