Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what lessons her Department has learnt from the covid-19 pandemic support schemes to ensure that adequate protection is provided to for (a) directors of small limited companies and (b) shielding households.

Decisions on eligibility for Covid-19 financial support were taken by the previous Government.

The previous Government decided to provide support through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) based on two principles: a) targeting support at those who needed it most; and b) guarding against error, fraud and abuse, whilst reaching as many individuals as possible.

People may have been eligible for the other elements of the financial support provided by the Government, including the welfare system. This package included Restart Grants, the Recovery Loan scheme, business rates relief, and other business support schemes.

The previous Government evaluated the COVID-19 labour market support schemes. These were published in 2023 and can be found on Gov.uk. The Government will continue to learn lessons through formal evaluations and reports by independent bodies, such the National Audit Office, and through the work of the UK COVID-19 Public Inquiry.