Self-employment Income Support Scheme. 2021-01-26
2021-01-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the support provided to newly self-employed individuals, who may not qualify for existing schemes due to strict eligibility criteria.
What steps his Department is taking to support the newly self-employed during the covid-19 outbreak. The MP notes that some of the rules and criteria have prevented people from qualifying for assistance despite their need, highlighting the importance of a wider £280 billion support package including universal credit increases, bounce back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, mortgage holidays, self-isolation payments, and other business grants.
The Government recognise that some rules have prevented people from qualifying. The Treasury is doing everything it can to protect jobs, families and livelihoods. We have spent considerable time engaging with groups to address potential gaps in support, including meetings in December and evaluations throughout the year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for newly self-employed individuals not detailed
The Treasury Is Doing Everything It Can
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A year after initial support schemes were introduced, some constituents remain excluded from financial assistance. The MP asks what message the Minister has for these individuals.
Many of my constituents are among the millions who have been excluded from support schemes so far. As we approach that anniversary, what message does the Minister have for them? The MP highlights ongoing exclusions despite a year's worth of efforts to address gaps in existing support schemes.
The Treasury is doing everything it can to protect jobs, families and livelihoods. We are heavily leaning into this issue through extensive engagement with various groups over the year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific message for excluded individuals not provided
The Treasury Is Doing Everything It Can
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent, Teresa McGeough, a newly self-employed special educational needs expert, has not been eligible for any financial assistance during the pandemic. The MP raises this case to question whether enough is being done.
I want to raise the case of my constituent, Teresa McGeough, who is a newly self-employed special educational needs expert and has not been eligible for any financial assistance during the pandemic. Does the Minister think that the Government are doing enough to help people such as Theresa and others?
As I have said, the Government are doing everything they can and have been working round the clock for a year to address the full needs of the country across all aspects of our economy and society.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions for newly self-employed individuals not detailed
The Government Are Doing Everything They Can
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The third grant for the self-employment income support scheme closes this Friday. Employees can be furloughed until 30 April, but no clarity is provided on future support beyond this week.
Will the Minister explain why he thinks it is right that employees can be furloughed until 30 April but self-employed people have no clarity about the future of support beyond the end of this week? The MP notes that the Chancellor has not provided many details on the scheme's future.
It is well-understood that the Chancellor will be setting out further plans in the March Budget. It is normal for this time of year for different decisions to be consolidated into that important fiscal event.
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Assessment & feedback
No explanation given for lack of clarity on support beyond the scheme's closure date
It Is Well-Understood
Normal For This Time Of Year
Response accuracy