Monday 14 December 2020
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry comment on reports that the Government will today confirm Tier 3 status for London - with Richard Burge, LCCI's CEO talking of the need for business support and a plan that brings case numbers down with the Christmas lights.
“If health professionals decide it is essential that London moves into Tier 3 then so be it. But the business support from the Government must be sufficient and immediate. This must include – as a minimum - instant cash support to enterprises in hospitality and leisure, and extension of the business rates holiday into the next financial year - which will help the whole of the high street to plan their outgoings and mitigate the impact of loss of trade due to restrictions deterring those outside London from travelling in. Vaccination roll-out is perhaps also unlikely to equate to economic benefit until well into the next financial year.
“There must also be a clear plan with London’s councils for the rollout of widescale testing in the capital, and provide sufficient support for those who have to self-isolate, not least the self-employed and sole traders. Only then will we see the number of cases come down with the Christmas lights.”