Our area is blessed with some fabulous hostelries, which are so vital to our way of life and to our visitor economy. I am very hopeful that, from July 4th, the sector will be able to re-open. As things stand, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will have to observe the two-metre distance rule.

I am delighted that the Chancellor has announced plans to extend the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) and clarified the steps to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme which has helped millions of jobs and supported one million employers across the country.

I pay tribute to all the charities and social enterprises which have played such a vital role meeting the needs of vulnerable people affected by the current crisis.

What can I do from Wednesday 13 May that I couldn’t do before?

Today the Chancellor announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme (CJRS) will be extended until the end of October. Rishi Sunak pledged to support businesses and protect people’s jobs by:

In his broadcast to the nation the Prime Minister set out a road map explaining how we can re-open society.

Businesses which missed out in first round of the Business Rates Grants may be eligible for a new Discretionary Grant Fund.

Following discussions with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) I am delighted that it is to seek legal clarity on whether insurance companies should pay out on policies that appear to cover business interruption caused by notifiable diseases.

The numbers of people eligible for testing has been substantially increased.
If you are:
• Aged 65 and over with coronavirus symptoms along with any symptomatic members of their household

I was delighted to be able to work with the Chancellor to remove some of the obstacles that prevent businesses from accessing Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans quickly.