While Government restrictions make the normal operation of Residential Centres impossible, we implore them to provide financial assistance to help this viable & worthwhile industry survive this period of forced closure.
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Without the government's assistance, there is a very real danger that the industry will not survive.
This is an unthinkable outcome for the millions of people who will lose out on the life changing experience gained from visiting these centres. For many, this will be the first and only time they are involved in the activities on offer. It is vital the industry receives support now so it can be ready for when the time is right to open. The outdoor industry can play a key role in helping improve people's physical and mental health which have been so negatively affected by this pandemic.
Tuesday 18th May 2021
The Department recognises the value of this sector in the education, health and wellbeing of children. We have invested over £280 billion to protect jobs, support businesses and public services.
The Department has recently updated its advice for schools (Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) and colleges (Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)). Road map progression permitting, schools and colleges will be able to enjoy educational days visits from 12 April and residential educational visits from 17 May.
The Department recognises the economic impact on the education travel sector as a consequence of lockdown restrictions and continues to publicly support it by highlighting its key role in education and the contribution its services bring to the health and wellbeing of children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Throughout this crisis, the Government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods across the UK, support businesses, and public services. The Government has spent over £280 billion to do so. This includes small business grants, the coronavirus loan guarantee schemes, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), the deferral of VAT and income tax payments, and more. The measures introduced have been designed to be accessible to businesses in most sectors and across the UK. In January, the Chancellor announced the extension of the deadline for applications for the Bounce Back Loan scheme and other loan schemes until 31 March 2021. Further measures were announced by the Chancellor in the 2021 Budget on 3 March including the extension of the CJRS until the end of September 2021, and increased support for the self-employed through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grants, with a 5th grant available from July 2021.
Firms can find out more about the Government’s Covid-19 business support offer, including business interruption loans and the Coronavirus Job Support Scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19
The Government will continue to work closely with local authorities, businesses, business representative organisations, and the financial services sector to monitor the implementation of current support and understand whether there is additional need. We do not intend to provide additional support for outdoor residential centres, at this time.
Department for Education
This is a revised response. The Petitions Committee requested a response which more directly addressed the request of the petition. You can find the original response towards the bottom of the petition page: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/552754