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Coronavirus
Parliamentary Diary
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Dear Friend,
One phrase: Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. This has never been more fitting.
The COVID-19 outbreak has swept the globe, causing mass disruption, panic and unfortunately loss of life. At this stressful time, I am writing to reassure you of the support available in our communities and the work I've been doing in Parliament pushing the Government to step up for families, workers and the self-employed at this time of national crisis.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and the uncertainty is inevitably unnerving. However, I've been astounded at the community spirit displayed in Cardiff North already. So thank you if you've already put yourself forward to help out, no matter how big or small.
If you're on Facebook and you'd like to stay updated with the latest announcements, support groups and initiatives then please join my Cardiff North Coronavirus Response group.
As ever, if you would like to get in touch with me please contact [email protected].
With very best wishes,
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As a nation we should be implementing measures of social distancing, staying home and making only essential journeys to help limit the spread of the virus as far as possible. Staying home saves lives - we all have a part to play in getting through these difficult times.
For up to date public health advice visit here:
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Ensuring Key Workers Are Not Left Behind
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Panic buying means those on the frontline saving lives and those working shifts to keep food on shelves are going without. These are unprecedented times. Over 150 colleagues and I am calling on the Business Secretary and retailers to do whatever it takes to ensure that no one is left behind.
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Cardiff North Coronavirus Response
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I've set up a Facebook group - Cardiff North Coronavirus Response to help co-ordinate volunteers, assist those who are self-isolating and act as a hub of up to date information and announcements. We have over 500 members and we are linked to the local mutual aid groups in your area.
If you're active on Facebook you can join the group by clicking the button below.
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Call to Co-op to Support Community
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The very nature of the Co-op Group is to be embedded in the heart of our communities. We have six stores in Cardiff North and I've called on the Co-op to facilitate community initiatives and support the local response in whatever way they can.
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Cardiff Council has recently launched their volunteering scheme "Together For Cardiff" which aims to match up people's needs to volunteers.
If you think you can spare some time to volunteer and you're not in the at risk category, then please email me on [email protected].
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We haven't seen any support for the self-employed or freelancers who will inevitably struggle as a result of lost work. My Labour colleagues and I have repeatedly been calling for the Government to take note and to safeguard people's livelihoods at this time of national crisis.
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I've written to all schools in Cardiff North to offer my support with anything they may need in the coming days and weeks. This week, we heard that schools will be repurposed to support our key frontline workers, children with additional learning needs and those benefitting from free school meals.
I am ready to help in whatever they need to achieve this.
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Children & Families'
Question Time
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Thanks to those who joined me for a Facebook Live question time dedicated to children and families in Cardiff North. Children will undoubtedly have lots of questions about this pandemic- how to stay safe, what happens now their schools are closed. Families will inevitably be concerned about their jobs and livelihoods at this difficult time.
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BEIS Committee - Coronavirus
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In an urgent BEIS Committee session on the impact of the virus on businesses, workers and the self-employed, we spoke to the FSB, CBI and TUC for their views on how the Government has responded to the outbreak and what more needs to be done to safeguard livelihoods.
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Welsh Government announced that critical support will be provided to businesses in Wales. Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or less will receive 100% business rate relief and pubs with a rateable value of between £51,000 and £100,000 will receive a £5,000 reduction on their bill. I am aware that further announcements are in train and I will be urging a scale of response to meet the needs of Welsh businesses and workers. A further £100m new grant scheme for small businesses will also be available.
The Welsh Government has announced a £200m package of support for businesses to help them pay their rates bills. Full details of the announcement are available at: https://gov.wales/emergency-support-businesses-hit-coronavirus
Any business effected by the crisis needing advice should in the first instance contact the Business Wales telephone helpline on 03000 603000. They can help with practical advice – from staffing to financial planning as well as supply chain support.
There’s a Wales Office page set up dedicated to guidance for businesses and individuals here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-individuals-and-businesses-in-wales
Business Wales has issued a ‘letter to business’ on coronavirus from Ken Skates:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWALES/bulletins/2816149
Business Wales also now has a dedicated coronavirus advice page:
https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice
The UK government announced a temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to be delivered by the British Business Bank to be launched in the coming weeks and support loans of up to £1.2m. This is applicable in Wales.
A Time to Pay scheme has been announced where all businesses in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC’s Time to Pay service.
The Development Bank of Wales will give a three-month capital repayment holiday to businesses it supports. It has equity and loan funding it can make available immediately to otherwise health, small businesses to get them through cash flow and other challenges they may face.
I am disappointed in the UK Government’s focus on lending – particularly when businesses are struggling and may not be in a position to pay it back. I will continue to raise this point.
Unless told otherwise, businesses in Wales can already change to be hot food takeaways and back again, without the need for planning permission. There’s a number of Coronavirus response Facebook pages advertising businesses who are turning to deliveries now they’ve closed their doors. I’d be happy to promote yours if you think that would be helpful?
On Statutory Sick Pay for your staff – the UK Govt is bringing forward legislation so that you can reclaim what you’ve paid out.
I’ve previously been concerned that the funding support for businesses announced by the UK Government were not applicable to businesses in Wales because of devolution. However, the Welsh Government has announced that it will match the measures in England in terms of grants and relief. We will have more substantial information on this by early next week and here’s a link to the BBC article explaining more:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-51954135?fbclid=IwAR3gMbAFnDXseOCIfr9jASMVH61Ox_dR0C-HiBIWRxR8phWok9Lnahj5gsk
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Calls to Make 111 Free of Charge
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Many constituents have raised concerns about the charges they're accumulating by calling the 111 number about their symptoms, as the service is not yet freely available in Cardiff. I've called on the Health Secretary to make this free as a matter of urgency.
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The World Health Organisation's position is test, test, test! I urged the Government to make this available as a matter of urgency.
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My office is currently closed and my team and are working remotely. However, we're still here to help. Please get in touch if you need anything!
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As always, please get in touch with your feedback!
Anna
MP for Cardiff North
AS dros Ogledd Caerdydd
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