June 2020
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for writing to me about coronavirus and the impact on your business. I have read your email carefully and noted the key points that you raise and I am very sorry for all those who have been badly affected by the current crisis.
I am sympathetic to the thrust of your concerns and appreciate the difficulties that many of my constituents are currently facing. Please be assured that I will raise your concerns and suggestions when I speak with ministerial colleagues.
The Government has announced that, following the publication of the COVID-19 Recovery Strategy, hospitality businesses can anticipate a phased re-opening of their businesses from no earlier than July 2020. This will only be possible if the criteria to move to the next step or the Recovery Strategy have been met, including a low rate of transmission. When these businesses re-open, their premises will have to meet COVID-19 Secure Guidelines, which includes carrying out a risk assessment to protect the safety of employees and customers.
To help hospitality businesses during these challenging times, the Government has created several financial support schemes. These include the Coronavirus Job Retention Loan Scheme, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and a business rates holiday for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors for 2020-2021.
For more detailed information please see:
Furthermore, to give immediate support to businesses, the Government has established the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant (RHLG). Under the RHLG, eligible businesses in England in receipt of the Expanded Retail Discount with a rateable value up to and including £15,000 will receive a grant of £10,000 and eligible businesses with a rateable value of over £15,000 but less than £51,000 will receive a grant of £25,000.
For more information please see:
Thank you again for writing to me about this important matter.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Lord MP
Member of Parliament for Woking