Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking (1) to provide financial assistance to Football League clubs that are unable to benefit from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and (2) to encourage Premier League clubs to assist such clubs.

Football clubs are often the bedrock of our local communities and it is vital they are protected. That is why the Government has provided an unprecedented financial support package for businesses, which many football clubs have benefitted from, including the furlough scheme and business rates relief.

The government was pleased to see the welcome announcement of an agreement in principle between the Premier League and EFL for a financial support package for League One and Two clubs. It is clear the money exists within the game for it to support itself: we urge the Premier League and EFL to finalise both this deal and one that protects Championship clubs also.