Furlough scheme needs to be extended for tourism and hospitality

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire has welcomed the amendment from Tim Farron MP to the Business and Planning Bill calling for a review of the impact of the Bill on tourism and hospitality and consideration of extending the furlough scheme and grants for businesses until Spring 2021.  Tim Farron is Liberal Democrat MP for Westmoreland and Lonsdale which includes part of the Lake District. 

The current furlough scheme and other government support is due to end in October. However, many businesses including those within the tourism and business sector, will need continued support well into next year in order to survive.

Alistair said: “The tourism industry has been hugely affected by this pandemic. Many businesses have already collapsed and others are in severe danger. Without the boom that comes with summer bookings, many will struggle to survive at all, let alone bounce back quickly, without significant support.

“The industry must be given the tools it needs to recover. Instead, the government is planning to cut off the current support in October , without acknowledging that thousands of businesses are still dependent on their schemes for survival.

“We need the Government to extend these schemes for the tourism and hospitality sector, or find new ways to increase support. Without this we risk losing vast swathes of businesses that are vital to the economy.”