Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to encourage consumer spending in (a) non-essential retail and (b) the hospitality sector once covid-19 restrictions on those sectors are lifted.

The Government understands that this is a very challenging time for the UK’s retail and hospitality sector and recognises that these sectors have been significantly impacted by the pandemic.

The Government will continue to monitor developments, engage with the sector and keep under review the case for further interventions, to support business growth and employment in the retail and hospitality sectors. The best way we can support consumers and businesses is by reopening businesses when it is safe to do so.

The Government has already acted to deliver support to these sectors through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) which has been extended until April; and is protecting businesses with cash grants, Government backed finance through loan schemes, ‘Pay as You Grow’ long-term repayments options, a VAT cut, a VAT deferral for up to 12 months, a 12-month business rates holiday; and a moratorium on evictions to protect commercial tenants.