Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the financial effect on middle and low-income families in the event that the new international travel covid-19 testing measures announced on 9 February 2021 are maintained beyond when holidays abroad are allowed to resume.

Under the current national restrictions, it is illegal to go on holiday. For those facing significant financial hardship as a result of testing charges, there is support available detailed on GOV.UK. This is available for individuals who already receive income-related benefits and they will be required to pay back their debt to the Government in 12 monthly instalments. All of these measures will be kept under constant review including the impact on families and those with protected characteristics.