Local MP Steve Brine stood up for local businesses left out of the rate relief and grant scheme as a result of Covid-19.
Speaking during questions to the Housing and Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP, he raised the plight of event hire companies who find themselves not eligible for rate relief nor the corresponding grant.
The MP was contacted by several event hire firm with business properties after Winchester City Council refused to help; at the same time as neighbouring local authorities were doing so for businesses in the same sector.
He said; "Back in March, the Chancellor rightly told the House that event hire companies with business properties would be eligible for rate relief and a corresponding leisure and hospitality grant. However, subsequent guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government excluded those companies. Will the Secretary of State clarify the position—at present, neighbouring local authorities in my part of Hampshire are making different decisions for the same firms—or does he think that the new discretionary grant fund is the way to go? Right now, my local authority will do neither without the Secretary of State telling it that it can."
Responding, Mr Jenrick said; "My understanding is that the new discretionary fund would allow a business such as the one my hon. Friend raises to benefit from that. I know he has written to me in the past asking for further clarification, but I am happy to come back to him once again and ensure that that business has the clarification it needs to receive the funding it desperately requires at this time."
Steve is now following up the exchange with the Secretary of State's office in Whitehall.
Pictured/Watch; Steve asking his question in the House.
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