Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Economic Support

Wednesday 25 March 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chamberlain questions the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 grants in Scotland, highlighting the5
  • Chamberlain highlights the exclusion of local businesses from COVID-19 grants due to specific criteria set by the Scottish Government.
  • Jack announces an emergency package for businesses will be announced next week.
  • Elmore asks about support for freelancers, self-employed, and sole traders in Scotland, mentioning 330,000 workers.
  • Jack confirms ongoing discussions on support for the self-employed across the EU and world.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem South Dorset
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Local businesses in the self-catered accommodation industry are ineligible for grants despite operating elsewhere in the UK where they would be supported.

Question

Chamberlain thanks the public's efforts, highlights that local businesses have been excluded from eligibility for COVID-19 grants due to specific criteria set by the Scottish Government. She stresses the perilous situation facing the self-catering accommodation industry and urges reconsideration of exclusions to ensure consistency in support.

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

Jack thanks Chamberlain for her point on the self-catering industry's importance for rural Scotland. He notes that an emergency package will be announced next week, and he has raised the issue with Scottish Parliament colleagues. The Scotland Office is keen to see support packages for these businesses, including caravan parks.

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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Welsh Affairs Committee
Employment Business & Trade
Context

The UK Government have been discussing support measures for the self-employed and freelancers in ministerial meetings.

Question

Elmore presses Jack on support for freelancers, self-employed and sole traders. He highlights 330,000 workers in Scotland who are categorised as self-employed and need reassurance from the UK Government about their income protection. Elmore urges quick implementation of a package to ensure people do not continue working at risk.

Answer from Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)

Jack welcomes Elmore briefly and confirms ongoing ministerial meetings discussing support for the self-employed. He states that schemes are being considered across the EU and world, emphasizing the need for timing while hoping the Treasury will make an announcement soon.

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