Last week it was confirmed that lockdown will be continued
for another three weeks. Although this was generally expected, it does bring
home to us that this crisis is not going to end quickly. Though there are a
number of signs that the measures taken to fight the spread of this virus are
having a positive effect, particularly here in Cornwall, we do all need to
mentally prepare ourselves for several more weeks of restrictions.
The situation will be reviewed again at the beginning of May
and we may then be in a position to consider some easing of restrictions, however,
we should not expect a full return to normal life for some time yet.
I am very aware of the impact this is having – both socially
and economically. I know many people will be finding this extension difficult.
We are all missing being able to see our family and friends and do the things
we take for granted as part of our everyday lives.
I am also very much aware of the impact this is all having
on our local and national economy. With no clear date to yet be able to aim for,
businesses are having to struggle with the challenges of keeping their business
afloat whilst ensuring they are ready to quickly switch back into operation as
we emerge from this lockdown.
I continue to do all I can to support local businesses and
employees to access the government support available. I know there are still
those who fall between the gaps and I continue to make the case to the
government to make adjustments to the various schemes to ensure they are getting
help to the people that need it.
The government has shown it is flexible and willing to make
adjustments where there is a clear case for amendments. This has been shown by
a number of announcements this week.
First, the Treasury announced that it was extending the cut
off date for employees to qualify for the furlough scheme from 28th
February to the 19th March. This scheme, that allows employers to claim
80% of wages for staff that are not required to work during the lockdown, is a
central part of the support available. It is essential there is a cut off in
order to ensure that those claiming it were legitimately in employment before
the lockdown was announced. By moving the date, it will enable around 200,000 more
workers across the country to be placed on this scheme. Many of those new
claimants will be seasonal workers who only started their new jobs at the start
of March. While it will not capture everyone, and I know there will be some locally
who will still not qualify, it is a significant shift that will help lots of
local people.
Also announced last week was a £10 million fund to support
the fishing industry. This is something that I had been pushing for. Having
spoken to a number of local fishermen and industry representatives it was clear
that a bespoke package would be required in order to support our fishermen,
particularly the smaller under 10 meter fleet we typically have here in
Cornwall, as they did not meet the criteria to access many of the other
government schemes. This fund will make cash grants available, similar to those
in retail and hospitality businesses, to help cover the cost of maintaining their
vessels during this crisis. As a part of the fund £1 million will specifically
be available to help fishermen sell their catch locally while their usual
markets, like restaurants and pubs, have been shut down.
One thing we can all do to support our local fishermen is to
buy locally. In know several local businesses are now offering deliveries of
fresh fish and it is a great opportunity to eat some quality local produce and
support one of our great local industries.
Finally, I was pleased that at the weekend the government
announced a further £1.6 billion to support local councils. All local authorities,
including ours here in Cornwall, are facing a double whammy of huge pressures
on services particularly to support the most vulnerable in our communities,
whilst seeing a massive reduction in their income from car parking and other
fees. It is important the government continues to ensure local councils have
the resources they need to get us all through this challenging time.
I trust you all continue to stay safe and well during the
coming weeks. Remember to keep to the restrictions – stay home to stop the
virus spreading and protect the NHS. As always, my team and I are here to help
with support and advice if there is any way we can be of assistance – get in
touch. Email – office@stevedouble.org.uk
Tel. 01726 829379
