In response to the Chancellor’s Winter Economic Update, Labour’s London Assembly Economy Spokesperson, Leonie Cooper AM, said:
“From the West End to our local high streets, businesses and venues of all sizes in London have been crying out for more significant and tailored support from the Government.
“Today’s announcement of a wage top-up scheme has offered some reprieve for the millions of Londoners whose livelihoods have been plunged into uncertainty. However, it has provided little hope to the thousands who have already lost their jobs in recent months.
“Make no mistake, London is the heartbeat of our nation’s economy and the Government must now go further and give a shot in the arm to the beleaguered hospitality and arts and culture sector.
“The fact remains that too many businesses in the capital are still being unfairly excluded from emergency funding schemes. Sadly, the Chancellor’s speech was yet another missed opportunity to set this right and lift the restrictive thresholds on who can apply for these grants”.
ENDS