Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 18 September 2020 to Question 88386 on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Night-time Economy and his statement that it may be the case that there are more effective ways to help those businesses who are still unable to reopen, what options for more effective ways to help those businesses that are legally prevented from reopening his Department is considering.

It is Government’s objective to return to our way of life as soon as possible, and we are continuously reviewing our guidance, considering both the risks to public health and to the economy. However, some activities continue to present a risk to public health and certain venues must remain closed to the public.

Businesses unable to re-open can access support through government-backed loan schemes, the application window for these schemes has been extended to the 30 November. Additionally, businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors will now benefit from the extended VAT reduction, and are able to use more generous terms for repayment of deferred taxes and government-backed loans.

Since March, the government has prioritised a flexible and adaptable approach to economic support in response to the pandemic, because people and businesses have needed support and they’ve needed it quickly and at the right time. The support will be kept under review.