JANE DODDS has called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to ensure adequate support is available for those who fall through the cracks of the new system.
The package of support announced by the Chancellor yesterday will pay the self-employed 80% of their profits, up to £2,500 a month. The scheme is expected to be up and running by June.
It will only be available for those who receive more than half of their income from self-employment and have completed a tax return.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said:
“Whilst the support the Chancellor announced yesterday was welcome, we must understand that there will still be those who fall through the cracks. They need and deserve support from their government.
“June is a long time for the self-employed to wait for support, many small businesses simply won’t be able to survive this long. The UK Government needs to be clear what support is available to these groups and how they can access it.
“Universal Credit must be made a compassionate and effective safety net for those who fall through the cracks. It should be enough to protect claimants from poverty and hardship. Crucially, it must be available from day one. It’s unacceptable to expect those in need to wait five weeks or take out a loan to receive vital financial support.”
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