Covid-19: Small Businesses

Lord Dodds of Duncairn Excerpts

Wednesday 13th January 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

We keep all these matters under constant review. We are supporting self-employed people with the fourth income support grant. We are providing an extra £4.6 billion to protect UK jobs and businesses. Businesses that are self-employed, freelancers and sole traders can benefit from other measures such as mortgage holidays, VAT relief and business loans with generous repayment terms.

[Lord Dodds of Duncairn (DUP) [V]]

My Lords, many small businesses and retailers say that having an online presence is a major element in creating sustainability for their business in the face of repeated closures. We all want our high streets to succeed and, therefore, the way forward is a mixed click and brick model for small businesses. Can the Government outline what they are doing to help small businesses get online or improve their online presence?

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

The noble Lord makes an important point. There are a range of assistance schemes provided by many local authorities and government agencies to help and support them.