York hospitality sector 'needs rescuing'
York Lib Dems have called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to give more support.
Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member Economy and Strategic Planning, has written to the Chancellor to call for an urgent support and recovery package to be introduced for the hospitality industry.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio York, he said: "it's been very obvious over the recent days that some parts of the hospitality industry have been particularly worried about the changes that are being implemented, at a time when they're dealing with reduced capacity.
"The Eat Out to Help Out scheme had triggered additional business, and my letter to the Chancellor is to remind him that there had been support, but there needs to be ongoing support between now and Christmas".
In his letter to Rishi Sunak, Councillor Waller said: "Whilst the move to offer businesses the ability to claim ÂŁ1,500 for each three-week period they have to remain closed as a result of geographically targeted measures is welcome, this does not go near to addressing the scale of the challenge facing the local hospitality industry.
"Enhanced restriction measures must be accompanied by comprehensive government support to minimise the damage to business and save the livelihoods of millions of people across the country".
In response a Treasury spokesman sent us this statement: “We’ve supported the hospitality sector from the start of the outbreak, protecting millions of jobs through initiatives such as the furlough and Eat Out to Help Out schemes, VAT cuts, business rates holidays and cash grants of up to £25,000.
“We will continue to act in creative and effective ways to support jobs as we recover from the crisis".