Minister declines meeting over lack of COVID-19 support for limited companies
Veteran Conservative MP David Davis was declined a meeting by the government yesterday after voicing concerns that COVID-19 support measures aren’t sufficiently protecting limited companies.
Addressing work and pensions minister Will Quince, former Brexit secretary Davis said that 13 million people employed via such companies are “in trouble”. Davis cited stats from Forgotten Ltd showing that 70 per cent of limited company traders have received no support since March.
Davis asked whether the government would “do something” about this and whether Quince would agree to a face-to-face meeting to discuss the matter. However, Quince, initially dodged the question, suggesting it would be “better directed” at the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak.
Quince said that self-employed workers can apply for Universal Credit. According to Forgotten Ltd, 90 per cent of those who run their own limited company are not receiving Universal Credit.
“We do plan to proceed with the reinstatement of the minimum income floor,” Quince said, regarding Universal Credit, adding that claimants would be contacted as this is reinstated.
He then stated that “over £13 billion of support has already been provided for over 2.6 million self-employed individuals through the first two stages of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) and this scheme has now been extended.”
Limited company directors, however, are not eligible to apply for SEISS. Quince had earlier stated that government support had provided “a safety net for almost everyone who needs it.”
Author: Steven English
22.10.2020
