Asked by: Rushanara Ali (Labour - Bethnal Green and Bow)
Question to the HM Treasury:
What economic contingency planning his Department has undertaken in the event of a third wave of covid-19.
Answered by Steve Barclay - Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Throughout the pandemic, the Government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods while also supporting businesses and public services across the UK.
We have put in place an economic package of support totalling £352 billion through the furlough and self-employed income support schemes, support for businesses through grants and loans, business rates and VAT relief.
At the Budget, the Chancellor extended this package of economic support to accommodate even the most cautious view about the time it might take to exit restrictions and to provide certainty and continuity to business. The Government continues to keep all impacts and policies under review.