Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that the fourth instalment of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme is accessible to people who have drawn a lump sum from their pension.

The Government recognises that many self-employed people have encountered immense challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has not been possible to support everyone as they would want.

The design of the SEISS, including the requirement that trading profits must be at least equal to non-trading income, means it is targeted at those who need it the most and who rely most on their self-employed trade. Non-trading income includes income from pensions. The scheme provides value for money to the taxpayer while reaching as many people as possible.

People ineligible for the SEISS on the basis of these criteria may be eligible for other elements of the package of support available, including Restart Grants, the Recovery Loan scheme, business rates relief, and other business support schemes.