Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Support for Self-employed People

Tuesday 27 April 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government announced the continuation of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) until September, offering fourth and fifth grants.
  • The SEISS scheme is described as one of the most generous globally for self-employed individuals.
  • The Government is working with groups affected by exclusions to see if others can be included in support schemes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green
Economy Taxation Employment
Context

Concerns about the fiscal support available to the self-employed as UK moves towards reopening post-pandemic.

Question

What fiscal steps are being taken to support self-employed individuals as coronavirus restrictions ease?

Answer from Jesse Norman

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.

Answered
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Q2 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Economy Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

Concerns raised about individuals excluded from SEISS grants and universal credit support during the crisis.

Question

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?

Answer from Jesse Norman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for those excluded from SEISS and universal credit

How: It Has Not Been Possible To Extend The Schemes

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Q3 Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green
Economy Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Jesse Norman

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.

Not addressed: Concerns about insufficient support for unrepresented self-employed people

How: Of Course There Will Always Be Change In Employments Of Different Kinds

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Q4 James Murray Labour (Co-op) Ealing North
Benefits & Welfare
Context

710,000 freelancers who rely on dividends have missed out on support schemes due to concerns over fraud.

Question

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?

Answer from Jesse Norman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for dividend-reliant freelancers not covered by SEISS or universal credit

How: It Has Not Been Possible To Support Everyone

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