Letter bid for more support for UK’s Excluded

A group of councillors have joined others from across the East Midlands calling for more support for those excluded from government Covid support schemes.

An estimated three million people across the country and tens of thousands in Leicestershire, largely self-employed people, have not been included in past government support schemes.

A letter to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak calls for the government to act and include people excluded in future government support schemes.

Among those signing were Leicestershire Lib Dem finance spokesman Coun Michael Mullaney.

He said: “With the Covid-19 restrictions having started now almost a year ago, and a more stringent lockdown ongoing, it’s essential more than ever that the government step in to support those struggling to make ends meet.

REQUEST: Chancellor Rishi Sunak

“Because of the loopholes in government support schemes there are tens of thousands of people here in Leicestershire who are having to worry not only about the health effects of Covid-19 on themselves and their families but the financial impact as well.

“It’s no wonder so many people are suffering from stress due to this double worry.

“I hope the Chancellor will listen to all of us who have signed this letter and to groups like Excluded UK and ensure that the people who have been excluded from help previously get included in future schemes.”

Coun Jonathan Harris, author of the letter, said: “These are tax-paying citizens who are so important to our economy and who have been forgotten and ignored by the Chancellor’s Covid support schemes.

“Lib Dem councillors from across the East Midlands have come together and given voice to the request that the Chancellor addresses the problems the Excluded face and finds a way to bring parity to the support scheme and a lifeline to the three million Excluded.”