Letter to Chancellor urges swift action on Covid support measures

The Chancellor has been urged to provide clarity on his latest measures and take additional action to help businesses survive, in a new letter co-authored by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The letter has been signed by the GBCC 's CEO Henrietta Brealey and several presidents from the Chamber group, as well as Birmingham City Council and representatives from Business Improvement Districts across the region.

It also features testimonials from firms in the sectors hardest hit by the new Omicron strain of Covid-19 - including travel, retail and hospitality.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak this week announced a £1bn package of support for businesses impacted by the rise in Covid cases.

However, business leaders say it is imperative Mr Sunak acts quickly by providing more details on his latest support measures.

The letter raises key concerns such as the scale, speed, duration and breadth of support available as well as what happens next if further restrictions are imposed.

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Chancellor 's financial support package for those hit hardest by the Omicron variant is a positive first step to ensuring that businesses across the country survive the coming weeks, and we are pleased that many firms in Greater Birmingham will benefit from the measures announced.

“However, businesses in a number of sectors are facing potentially insurmountable economic losses during their most critical trading period due to high case rates and Plan B measures devastating public confidence and significantly affecting town and city centre footfall. For the hardest hit businesses, the support does not go far enough.

“As such, alongside Birmingham city centre BIDs and supported by a number of institutions and business leaders, I have written to the Chancellor urging him to take swift action to support those hit hardest by the latest developments.

“Amongst calls for additional long-term assistance, we are seeking urgent clarity on the support package announced this week to ensure that past investment in the business community does not go to waste.

“After a positive few months of economic growth and recovery, it is more important than ever that the Government does not leave businesses out in the cold at this critical juncture and works quickly to keep business moving. ”

Read the letter to the Chancellor in full.