It's vital that the Government supports businesses and organisations in our community who will be affected by the pandemic, including guidance about social gatherings and the need to self-isolate.

Many local jobs and livelihoods are dependent on our local economy as well as the national economy, and I have taken every opportunity to press Ministers on the need for urgent action.  

LATEST ACTION 

In recent weeks, I successfully campaigned alongside nearly 200 businesses in Brighton and Hove for an extension to business rates relief and VAT reduction, so that these businesses can properly get back on their feet when restrictions are lifted. 

I have called for the VAT rate reduction to be extended beyond the hospitality sector to include others who've been badly affected by lockdowns.

IN PAST MONTHS

In addition, I have:

• Reached out proactively to the arts and tourism sectors, who are particularly badly affected by plummeting visitor numbers, and brought their concerns directly to the attention of Ministers.
• Demanded that Ministers accelerate the process of ensuring businesses remain solvent during the crisis period.
• Continued to campaign for the more than 3 million self-employed, freelancers and directors of small limited companies to be included in the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
• Raised the need for a ban on the cut-off of electricity, gas and water supplies to residential properties and small businesses during the crisis.
• Called for action to prevent profiteering from the crisis and strict penalties.