Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans the Government has to provide support for fishers facing difficulties paying their boat mortgages in (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) Engand during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mortgage lenders have agreed to support customers experiencing personal financial difficulties as a result of Coronavirus (Covid-19), including through payment holidays, among other options. Vessel owners across the UK can contact their lender directly to discuss whether a mortgage payment holiday or other arrangement would be suitable for their particular situation.

Fisheries management is a devolved matter and each Devolved Authority is responsible for determining and delivering appropriate financial interventions in their region. Each of the Devolved Administrations has now announced financial schemes to assist vessel owners meet their fixed costs. The appropriate authority should be contacted for further information on the financial assistance available in their area.

In England, a £10 million fund has been created to help the fishing industry during this period. Of this fund, £9 million in grants will be available to vessel owners and aquaculture businesses to help them meet the fixed-costs of maintaining their business. This includes interest on loans and mortgages, but not the capital cost of the loan itself.

In England, the level of financial assistance to vessel owners will be determined by the vessel length. The Marine Management Organisation has begun the process of contacting eligible owners. Further details of the scheme may be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-financial-support-for-englands-fishing-businesses.