Support for Self-employed Covid-19 2020-09-16
2020-09-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
In the Rhondda, many self-employed people have not received any support from the Government's covid-19 relief measures despite facing significant financial hardship.
How many self-employed people in Wales have not received support from the Government's covid-19 support schemes?
There are 205,000 self-employed people in Wales. Of these, 110,000 are receiving direct cash grants totalling over £295 million through the Government's self-employment income support scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
An incident involving a car crash in Trebanog, Rhondda led to a discussion about the impact of government support schemes on local businesses.
In light of an accident in Trebanog earlier today, can you address the needs of self-employed individuals who have not received any assistance from government schemes and those facing severe financial hardship?
I know the whole House will join me in expressing our sympathy. In relation to the schemes, I reiterate what the Chancellor has said: we will always try to look at every possible way to ensure that those who qualify for help do get it.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or details not provided
Will Look At Individual Cases
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the impact of mass unemployment and economic recovery in industrial communities.
Will this Government grasp the urgency and bring forward specific measures for sectors such as aviation that need longer to recover, in order to support thousands of Welsh workers who depend on them?
The Government has done everything it can to ensure the smallest possible number of people have gone without important assistance. The Treasury is considering multiple options, including furlough extension, to help people make their way out of covid and back into a functioning economy.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or concrete proposals not detailed
Multiple Options Are Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the end of government support and its impact on employment.
Will the Government accept that a one-size-fits-all approach is not working, and will they come forward with concrete proposals to safeguard jobs for people across Wales?
A third of the workforce in Wales has been supported by the UK Government during the pandemic. The package includes VAT deferrals, mortgage holidays, rental support, increases in universal credit, relaxation of the minimum income floor, and VAT reductions to help people stay in work and get back to work safely.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plan or concrete proposals not provided
Not A One-Size-Fits-All Arrangement
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the 3 million people excluded from current support schemes.
Will Ministers do more to help those who have fallen through the gaps, at least by addressing the five-week wait for universal credit?
The Government and the Wales Office will strive to improve every one of our schemes. Where there are gaps, we will do everything possible to ensure they are plugged.
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Assessment & feedback
Immediate action or specifics not provided
Strive To Improve And Plug Gaps
Response accuracy