Over 3,000 local businesses miss out on Government rate relief scheme

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP, Debbie Abrahams, has challenged the Chancellor of the Exchequer to explain why he’s chosen a rate relief system which means that over 3,000 - out of 7,000 - small businesses locally miss out.

Making her speech via the new digital Parliament system Mrs Abrahams informed the House that she’d already raised this issue with the Chancellor, saying: “I wrote to the Chancellor 5 weeks ago about the gaps in his various business support schemes. 

“I asked him why he chose the Small Business Rate Relief option instead of an HMRC delivery mechanism. An HMRC route would have supported 7,000 small businesses in Oldham instead of only 3,900 who’ve received rate relief. 

“I have yet to hear from the Chancellor on these points. 

“Fundamentally this package of measures doesn’t do what it is meant to do; keep businesses afloat until we are able to come out of total lockdown.” 

Debbie added: “I heard from a local business, last night, which has had to close after nearly 30 years of trading and another that is close behind.”

During the speech, Debbie, who created the award winning late payments campaign Be Fair - Pay on Time also asked the Chancellor to ensure that all Government departments had paid their suppliers, and that these suppliers had paid their supply chain.

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