Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Business Support Grant: Local Authorities

Tuesday 20 October 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kate Osamor inquired about reopening business support grant funding schemes for local authorities.
  • The Minister confirmed regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
  • The Minister noted that additional funding has been allocated through the local restrictions support grant scheme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The question follows concerns about the distribution of business grants during strict lockdown periods. It highlights that only a small number of businesses received discretionary grants despite many applications.

Question

If he will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the potential merits of reopening business support grant funding schemes for allocation by local authorities.

Answer from Steve Barclay

I hold regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The original national business grant schemes provided support to small businesses that faced fixed property-related costs during the strict lockdown period.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked about reopening grant funding schemes, but the answer only mentioned holding regular discussions without addressing the specifics of reopening grants.

How: Holding Regular Discussions

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Q2 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Business & Trade
Context

In Enfield, only 189 out of 330 businesses received discretionary grants. The MP raises concerns about further restrictions in London affecting more businesses.

Question

I thank the Minister for his reply, but is he aware that in Enfield only 189 small businesses received a discretionary grant, even though 330 applied for one? In view of further restrictions in London, will the Minister commit to urgently releasing extra funding to Enfield Council to ensure that those businesses that previously missed out can reapply for financial support?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The previous grant was for businesses that had been forced to close. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has allocated additional funding through the local restrictions support grant scheme for businesses that are forced to close, with an additional £1,500 per two-week closure period.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked about releasing extra funding urgently to Enfield Council, but the answer only mentioned an existing local restrictions support grant scheme without committing to urgent release of funds.

How: Mentioning An Existing Scheme

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