Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, in a bid to have payment holidays extended for those who need them due to the continuing restrictions still in place for some self-employed business owners.
Mrs Grant said “While some businesses are preparing for reopening in coming weeks, others are not able to get back into operation yet and this will leave an even bigger hole in their finances if they have to start making monthly repayments again while being unable to gain any income.
“The holidays on mortgage payments and other bills was a lifeline to many self-employed people in the early days of the outbreak. Many of these payment holidays however are due to cease in July meaning some business owners will have to start repaying these again even though they may still be unable to work due to the restrictions in place. I have therefore written to the Chancellor asking if Government is negotiating a longer term for mortgage holidays, and such like, for those who need it.”
The MSP continued “I also understand a further round of payments are to be awarded to the self-employed which is very welcome and I am seeking clarity on whether these further payments will automatically be passed on to people who previously received them or if people will have to re-apply for this.
“While it is good to see some restrictions being lifted and people prepare for reopening, that’s not an option for everyone right now and those unable to restart at this stage need further support meantime.”