Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department plans to introduce sector-specific financial support for the automotive industry.

Government has announced unprecedented support for businesses which have benefited all sectors in every part of our United Kingdom. There has been widespread use of the Government’s support schemes in the automotive sector, including the Job Retention Scheme and tax deferrals. To support viable UK employers who face lower demand due to COVID-19, and to keep their employees attached to the workforce, the government will be introducing a new Job Support Scheme from 1 November 2020.

Government and industry have committed around £800 million since 2013 through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, to research, develop and commercialise the next generation of low carbon technologies and to keep the UK at the cutting edge of low carbon automotive innovations.

The government will continue to engage with businesses and representative groups with the aim of ensuring that support provided is right for the automotive sector and for the economy as a whole.