Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide further tools to local government to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government is providing a package of support for businesses and workers, in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19. This includes £12.3bn for local authorities to deliver to SMEs under the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund. On 1 May, the Business Secretary announced a further up to £617 million available to local authorities to support small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funding. Government is working closely with all local authorities to help them make payments to businesses as quickly and effectively as possible, whilst safeguarding public funds. As part of this we have provided detailed guidance and FAQs, regular briefings and one-to-one support from ministers and officials. Government will also provide additional funding to local authorities to meet the administrative costs of delivering this policy. Alongside support through local authorities, the Chancellor pledged an additional £10 million to increase Growth Hub capacity and provide high-quality business advice and guidance across all 38 Growth Hubs.