|
Covid-19 update:
This week the Prime Minister announced further restrictions in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus. These include:
- Work from home where possible.
- From today all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table-service only and must close at 10pm.
- Face coverings must be worn by staff in retail, users of taxis and private hire vehicles and staff and customers in indoor hospitality, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
- Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations. Businesses will be fined if rules breached.
- From Monday, a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions. However, up to 30 can still attend a funeral as now.
- Business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events will no longer be allowed to re-open.
I have been pushing for Parliament to debate, scrutinise and vote on new regulations.
For the latest shielding and distancing guidance visit here.
|
|
|
|
|
Winter Economy Plan
In place of the usual Autumn Budget the Chancellor has today unveiled a Winter Economy Plan:
- Government will contribute a third of worker's lost hours from 1 November for 6 months.
- For those that are self-employed, the Government will also pay a third of their usual pay, if a third of their usual hours are worked.
- ‘Pay As You Grow’ scheme will give businesses more time and flexibility to repay their loans.
- Businesses will have longer to apply for Government loans schemes.
- Businesses are able to spread their VAT bill over 11 repayments, with no interest.
- Planned increase in VAT cancelled, keeping a lower rate of VAT of 5% for hospitality and leisure firms until 31 March 2021.
Read the new measures in full here.
|
|
|
Prime Minister's Statement
In Wealden and Rother, we’ve had just 4 covid cases per 100,000 residents so I asked the PM if he would consider unlocking low rate areas, like ours, if progress is made nationally.
Watch here.
|
|
|
Committee Hears from Young Drivers
Our inquiry into Young and Novice Drivers continues in Parliament. Having listened to lots of older campaigners who want more restrictions on young drivers, we heard from students across the country who want to keep the same freedoms their parents enjoyed.
Learn more about the inquiry here.
|
|
|
Constituency Cycling Tour Continues
I continued my cycling tour visiting Pevensey, Westham, Stone Cross, and Hankham meeting some amazing businesses who are struggling. We need to live with coronavirus, embed the risk and preserve jobs, livelihoods and our way of life.
|
|
|
|
|
| If you would like to arrange an appointment to speak to me at an advice surgery, please email: [email protected] or call 01424 736861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
