Arts: Coronavirus

(asked on 8th June 2020) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with representatives in the arts sector on the continuation of the (a) Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and (b) Self-Employment Income Support Scheme for businesses that are unable to re-open as a result of Government guidance on social distancing during the covid-19 outbreak.


Answered by
Jesse Norman Portrait
Jesse Norman
This question was answered on 16th June 2020

During this difficult time the Treasury is working intensively with employers, delivery partners, industry groups and other Government departments to understand the long-term effects of social distancing across all key areas of the economy. For example, on 11 June the Chancellor attended a roundtable with TUC and other unions, including Prospect and Equity.

The Government recognises the extreme disruption the necessary actions to combat Covid-19 are having on businesses and sectors like Arts and Creative Industries.

That is why the Chancellor introduced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

On 12 May, the Government announced a major extension to the CJRS which will continue to the end of October, including more flexibility and employer contributions from August as people return to work. On 29 May, the Chancellor announced an extension to the SEISS, which continues to be one of the most generous self-employed Covid-19 support schemes in the world as the economy reopens. This extension means that eligible individuals whose businesses are adversely affected by Covid-19 will be able to claim a second and final grant when the scheme reopens for applications in August. Decisions on Government schemes are based on all available evidence, including the latest public health guidance.

The Treasury will continue to monitor the impact of Government support with regard to supporting public services, businesses, individuals, and sectors such as arts and creative industries, and welcome views from representatives.

Reticulating Splines