Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to support creative freelancers who do not qualify for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Those not eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) may still be eligible for other elements of the unprecedented package of financial support available. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants. The Government has also extended the temporary reduced VAT rate for hospitality and tourism to 31 March 2021. This will continue to apply to admission to attractions across the UK, including concerts, theatres, exhibitions and similar events.

Furthermore, the Government has announced a £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund to protect the cultural sector through the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, £409 million in grant funding has been awarded to over 2,000 cultural organisations in England including orchestras, music venues, galleries, theatres, museums and festivals. This funding will help to enable performances to restart, protect jobs and create opportunities for freelancers.