A senior Conservative has warned of “significant concern” about delays in getting cash support to the self-employed after Chancellor Rishi Sunak admitted his rescue package will not deliver money until June.
Former minister Mel Stride, who chairs the Treasury Select Committee, called on ministers to “pull out every single possible stop” to get money through to them during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Sunak last night unveiled a scheme costing at least £9 billion to target 3.8 million people with payments for three months worth 80 per cent of past profits, up to £2,500 a month.
Mr Stride praised the “bold and comprehensive” scope, but said many small traders and self-employed could not wait two months for money.
“The art here will be for the Government to pull out every single possible stop to try and get this money through as quickly as possible,” he said.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma told Sky: “If we can do it faster we will.”
He said on BBC Breakfast: “I completely understand that people will be worried and they want us to get this money to them as quickly as possible and I can tell you we are literally working night and day to make sure that system is up and running.”
He said that welfare benefits were available “like tomorrow” for people who needed faster help.
Public transport usage was down again in London this morning, suggesting more workers are heeding calls to stay at home.
City Hall said early data showed that the morning peak was seven per cent lower on the Tube and five per cent down on buses.
