Voice from Westminster
VOICE from WESTMINSTER Confidence is key in moving forward Neil Coyle MP 2020 has not been a kind year to people or business. I was deeply saddened when I heard that the Chair of Southwark Chamber of Commerce, Les Johnson, had passed away. Les was a bustling champion of Southwark businesses and always sought the best for our local community. Les will be much missed and had a lot more to offer. I am grateful to Richard Kalmar and Peter Mantell for taking on the leadership of the Chamber at this difficult time. I am still trying to help businesses through this crisis. The restrictions put in place to help tackle the spread of the coronavirus are slowly being lifted. The limitations were crucial to prevent the overwhelming of our NHS and many believe the lockdown came too late – a fortnight after the Government agreed it was required, months after the World Health Organisation recommended it, and the UK sadly has experienced the highest excess death toll in Europe. The nation’s sacrifice was essential, but the awful effect has hit business hard, especially in north Southwark where we usually have far more commuters through London Bridge working in local offices and supporting many other local businesses. I know the VAT reduction and ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ have helped some businesses affected. There are also many thousands
of employees across the borough who have been supported by the furlough and Self Employment Income Support Scheme. I am very nervous about the ending of those schemes soon and hope Ministers agree to sector by sector extensions where necessary, including in hospitality and leisure. I am also trying to secure help for local cultural treasures from the funding being allocated by Arts Council England. I hear from businesses and other local employers, especially schools, that confidence is key going forward. People need to know that testing is working and that tracking and tracing will be effective to tackle localised outbreaks. Germany was testing 500,000 people daily months ago, but the UK Government has systematically failed to meet far lower targets. Ministers have also granted millions of pounds in public contracts to close associates who have failed to deliver, whilst legitimate and experienced businesses have not been able to bid for services. The track and trace app has been abandoned and the
only ‘world class’ title the Government has earned is for their bragging in the face of human and economic catastrophe. Public confidence in the Government and its response to covid has plummeted, leaving businesses worse off, even after the 20% drop in the economy earlier this year. Low confidence affects people’s willingness to return to work and other routines, including to local cafés and bars. This could cause even higher unemployment; it has already doubled since the start of the lockdown sadly, tripling for under 25s. Ministers must not allow further steep rises in unemployment or more economic damage, especially with Brexit looming closer and more suffering likely to follow. Johnson said negotiations would conclude in July. His word, as ever, became worthless almost overnight. If you have concerns about the effects of coronavirus and/or Brexit and your Southwark business, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
‘The nation’s sacrifice was essential, but the awful effect has hit business hard, especially in north Southwark where we usually have far more commuters through London Bridge working in local offices and supporting many other local businesses.’ Southwark BUSINESS TODAY 27
