An open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, HM Treasury
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP,
Chancellor of the Exchequer
HM Treasury
1 Horse Guards Road
London SW1A 2HQ
10th January 2021
Dear Chancellor,
As we leave 2020 behind, at the end of what has been an exceptionally sad and difficult year for many and begin 2021, we, the undersigned, would like to remind you that there are some 3 million people who have yet to receive any form of support or help through no fault of their own. We hereby call on the Government to end the disparities in government Covid-19 support packages that are currently excluding millions across the UK, putting livelihoods and businesses at risk.
Covid-19 and the ensuing lockdowns has presented the most unforeseen challenges to individuals, communities and businesses the length and breadth of the UK. While government support packages have provided much needed support for many, gaping holes within these measures remain, with this Excluded group finding themselves left out and left behind.
From those in between jobs or due to start new jobs after 19 March, the newly self-employed and new businesses, the self-employed with either low or +£50k net profits, those in less than 50% self-employment, those on parental leave, those on PAYE freelance short-term contracts, low investment start-ups, small limited company owner-directors, businesses ineligible for grants... The list goes on.
As a collective group of Liberal Democrat Councillors from the East Midlands we will continue to fight for justice for those who have been excluded from government Covid-19 grants.
We all want to play our role in helping the economy recover. However, in order to do so, we need to ensure support for all of those that need it in order to emerge from this crisis and to be able to thrive again, as individuals and as businesses.
We urgently call on the Government to address the disparities in support, to ensure that all individuals and businesses currently excluded, entirely or largely, from Covid-19 grants are given the support they need and rightfully deserve.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Jonathan Harris, and the Undersigned
Liberal Democrat
Daventry District Council