Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the financial effect on self-employed people of the setting of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension payments at 20 per cent of average monthly trading profits.

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) Grant Extension provides critical support to the self-employed, by supporting those who are currently eligible for the SEISS and are continuing to trade but are facing reduced demand due to COVID-19. The scheme will be in the form of two grants, and will last for six months, from November 2020 to April 2021. The first grant will cover a three-month period from the start of November until the end of January. This initial grant will cover 20 per cent of average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £1,875 in total.

The Government has broadly aligned this initial grant with the Government’s contribution to the Job Support Scheme. The extension is not intended to provide a direct income replacement, as people will be continuing to work while claiming the grant. Those who require more support may have access to other elements of the Government’s support package. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, increased levels of Universal Credit, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants.