Businesses add their voice to call for government support following ‘Plan B’
Liverpool BID Company has added its name to a letter pleading with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak for financial support for businesses from restrictions to combat the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.
More than 50 BIDs and business organisations – including Manchester, Chester, Preston and Southport BIDs, and city centre management company CityCo Manchester – have urged the Government to step up aid in the face of the latest wave of infections through a #BusinessBooster.
The letter says: “It is imperative that the Government acts quickly by offering financial assistance and other necessary interventions to those experiencing disruption following rising cases of the Omicron variant and the impact of ‘Plan B’ measures. With consumer confidence expected to drop below its current level of -15 amid growing speculation of an impending lockdown, the time for action is now.”
It adds: “There is clearly growing concern of a lockdown following the announcement of Plan B restrictions on 8th December 2021 which must be reviewed on 29th December 2021, two days prior to New Year’s Eve. Businesses need certainty with many holding on to the glimmer of hope that New Year may bring.
“The critical Christmas trading period is in tatters leaving businesses, particularly those within the hospitality, retail and leisure sector, teetering on the brink of financial ruin and set to lose £4bn in sales. While we appreciate risks to health due to the Omicron variant, we cannot, and should not, forget the businesses who have all but been shut down and want to continue trading safely.”
The letter contains a number of appeals to ease pressure on businesses, including 100% business rate relief for the first three months of 2022, continuation of the reduced VAT level of 12.5% through to March 31, 2022, and grants of up to £15,000 by rateable value to businesses within the hospitality, retail and leisure sector.
The plea also expresses concerns for the freelance and self employed community and calls for a discretionary grant fund of up to £7,500 per claim “that will ensure this community is appropriately supported”.
And it appeals to the PM to include the Business Improvement District industry in any business groups invited to share insights to government in the future, saying: “This will provide you with the opportunity to learn of the challenges town and city centres are currently facing, and work collaboratively together on suitable solutions during this challenging time.”
The letter to government follows a similar message to the Chancellor from Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and Greater Manchester Council leaders to provide a package of targeted support for all people and businesses impacted by the Government’s latest changes to COVID guidance, or ‘Plan B’.
