Local MP Maria Miller has joined the Federation of Small Business to urge individuals who feel their situation isn’t covered by the Governments measures for the self employed to get in touch so these specific situations can be taken direct to the Government.
Maria said, “I have spoken direct to the Basingstoke Federation of Small Businesses to hear first-hand the concerns of local business during this health emergency. Running your own business is difficult at the best of times. In Basingstoke we have thousands of people who are self employed and it is crucial to the future of our community that these businesses are supported to weather these unprecedented times. The Government’s Self-Employed Income Support Scheme will directly help 3.8 million people but people who are self employed set up their businesses in many different ways which has made it difficult for Government to ensure help is available everywhere it is needed. Some people feel their situation isn’t covered. I want to support the FSBs call to self employed people to share their specific situations so that these can be taken to Government. Equally, it may be that some of these cases can be sign posted to existing measures such as the job retention scheme, emergency loans or universal credit.
“In Basingstoke we need our businesses to be ready to bounce back as soon as possible after this health crisis has come to an end. From company directors who have their offices in their own homes through to start ups in serviced office accommodation, get in touch so your situation can help build up a picture of where additional support might be needed in Basingstoke.”
Maria is urging people who feel they are not covered by the current measures to get in touch so that their situation can be taken direct to Government. Maria has already raised with the Government the situation of Directors of smaller limited companies who pay themselves through dividends or dividends and salary.