Winter Economic Plan a step in the right direction in campaign to protect Lake District hospitality and tourism industry - MP

Commenting on the Chancellor's Winter Economic Plan which was announced this afternoon, local MP Tim Farron said: "I welcome the fact that the Chancellor has announced a winter package of support with bespoke measures for the hospitality and tourism sector - something which myself and Cumbria Tourism have been campaigning for since the end of April.

"For many local businesses who are just getting back on their feet, the measures announced today, especially the cut in VAT, will provide a much-needed boost to help them navigate through the coming tough winter months.

"However, while this is a step in the right direction, the increase in local lockdowns and the fact that some businesses may struggle to access these proposals means that more support is definitely still needed.

"I look forward to the Prime Minister honouring the commitment he made in Parliament this week that he would arrange for a minister to meet with me and local hospitality leaders to discuss what more can be done so that no one gets left behind.

"Disappointingly, however the measures are a colossal kick in the teeth for the three million workers, many who are self-employed or run local small businesses, who had fallen through the cracks of the Government's previous support schemes and who have missed out yet again.

"The Chancellor has had six months to come up with a solution to help these people through desperate times, and he has simply chosen to turn his back on each and every one of them.

"I will continue to work with colleagues from right across the House in our all-party group to fight for the support and the justice that these people rightly deserve."