Covid-19 Plan B Tourism Industry
2022-01-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP raised concerns about the impact of new rules, including guidance to work from home, on the thriving tourism industry due to reduced social interaction.
What assessment she has made of the effect on the tourism industry of the covid-19 Plan B advice for people to work from home where possible?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the vital tourism sector. He is right that some of the new rules, including the guidance to work from home, can be difficult for the tourism sector, because movement of people and social interaction is pivotal to a thriving tourism industry, but we have committed to provide support and over £35 billion has already been provided to tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The response acknowledges the difficulty for the tourism sector without providing specific figures or commitments related to current issues due to Plan B advice.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP noted that the Chancellor has brought in measures to help affected businesses, but trade is still lower and difficult to assess. He requests further assistance where necessary.
Will my hon. Friend speak to the Chancellor again to see whether any further help can be given where it is necessary?
I thank my constituency neighbour again for raising these important points. We have ongoing dialogue with the Chancellor and the Treasury. The new grants the Chancellor announced just before Christmas will be very important in helping the businesses affected. Many will get the grants automatically. I encourage others—perhaps those on the edges of supply chains—that do not get the grants automatically to apply for the additional restrictions grants.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The response addresses ongoing dialogue but does not provide a specific commitment to speak with the Chancellor about further help beyond already announced measures.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP mentioned theatres, festivals, and live events being hit by uncertainty around plan B. The live events reinsurance scheme has been ineffective in providing support outside a full national lockdown.
Given the demand that will be caused by the continued uncertainty well into the new year, will the Government urgently review the scheme and repurpose it to give businesses and workers the support they need now?
Of course the scheme is really important. We do want to make sure that it works as intended, but it is part of an overall support package for the arts sector, which includes the theatre tax reliefs that were announced prior to Christmas and the all-important culture recovery fund.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The response acknowledges the importance of the scheme without committing to urgent review or repurposing it as requested by the MP.
Response accuracy