Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the expanded Job Support Scheme announced on 9 October 2020, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending eligibility for that scheme to businesses that have not been forced to close during the covid-19 outbreak but are no longer commercially viable as a result of covid-19 restrictions.

Businesses that are open can use the element of the Job Support Scheme aimed at those able to open but at lower levels of demand, available from 1 November. The Government will pay a third of hours not worked, up to a cap, so that employees earn a minimum of 77% of their normal wages.

In addition to the JSS, the Government has made available a comprehensive package of support for businesses to support their cashflow during the pandemic, including loan schemes and tax deferrals. As of 20 September, the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) had together provided £57.31bn of finance to businesses in need.