Thank you to those constituents who have sent me a copy
of The Road Transport Association
campaign email seeking further support for hauliers during the corona virus.
Road transport forms a vital part of the infrastructure
of the UK and as never before we are relying on the key part played by this
industry.
Haulage has always been a highly competitive business
with a mix of results from different companies in terms of profitability. I
know many have ceased trading over the years whilst others have run successful
and profitable businesses. I understand that with the additional pressures
caused by the medical crisis this adds considerably to the complexity and
difficulties of running any business let alone a logistics company.
Some have been in touch to say part of the problem is
there is now many occasions where
vehicles are not fully laden which is an obvious further burden on costings,
efficiency and viability.
The government has in record time introduced a range of
measures to assist businesses. The aim of the government is that those that were viable before the
medical crisis will be in a position to continue trading once it passes. The
haulage industry presents unique circumstances and challenges and I will do all
I can in making further representations to ministers to see what further help
can be made.
Many will already be aware of the help the government is
offering businesses in a multibillion £ effort with deferring taxes and VAT
payments, rates relief, furlough wage provision and also the Coronavirus
Business Interruption Loan Scheme. This has been considerably enhanced by the
chancellor following feedback from myself and other MPs and even if you have
applied with your lender before without receiving a helpful response or
acceptable terms, I would urge you to reapply following his recent
intervention.
Having been in business myself for many years I am
acutely aware of the pressures that virtually all businesses are facing right
now and whilst I will continue to petition for more help on your behalf. I also
firmly support the provision made by the chancellor to date.
