Self-Employed People Covid-19 Support 2020-12-01
2020-12-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Freelancers and self-employed individuals are facing significant challenges due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
What steps is the government taking to support freelancers during the covid-19 outbreak?
The Government have taken unprecedented steps to support the self-employed through the self-employment income support scheme, which has been extended up to April, with details of the third grant published last week.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The pandemic has impacted all sectors, but innovators and start-ups have been particularly affected.
What is the Treasury doing to support innovation as we rebuild our economy?
The Government are protecting innovators and start-ups through £900 million of future fund loans, £79 million for innovation loans, and more than £5 billion in support through research and development tax credits.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Millions of self-employed people have benefited from government schemes, but some continue to struggle.
Will the Government keep an open mind on future support measures for those who have had no income for nine months?
The Government take these points seriously and are looking closely at various suggestions to accommodate concerns while mitigating fraud risk. Meetings have been scheduled with relevant groups.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or timeline for additional support was not provided
Fraud Risk
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Businesses in the wedding venue and hospitality sectors have been significantly impacted by pandemic restrictions.
When will the increase in the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme term from six to 10 years come into effect?
The purpose of this extension is not simply to allow borrowers a longer term but also to provide extended government guarantees up to 10 years. My colleagues are working at pace with the British Business Bank to implement the policy in line with state aid rules.
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Assessment & feedback
Exact timeline for implementation was not specified
State Aid Rules
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Many self-employed individuals are required to form limited companies, but they may not qualify under current support schemes.
Does my right hon. Friend accept that many freelancers continue to fall through the net? Would it be a good idea to meet with those in affected sectors?
I have indicated that I will be meeting many of the groups representing people in this situation. In addition to the £1.57 billion culture recovery fund, the Government have put in place the film and TV insurance scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments to address support gaps were not provided
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The self-employed in areas with additional restrictions face significant challenges.
What plans do the Government have to improve the situation for those working in harder hit sectors under additional restrictions?
The third phase of the self-employed scheme is expected to cost more than £7 billion as part of a wider package of support. Business grants have been backdated to address some concerns.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific improvements or changes to existing measures were not detailed
Response accuracy