Council submits further request for support from Government

Further to the letter submitted to Government requesting support for Birmingham Businesses, Birmingham City Council and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce have today sent a letter to national government requesting additional support for businesses affected by Covid-19 restrictions.

Backed by business, political and trade union leaders, the request comes alongside a detailed set of national asks and a proposed Birmingham support package that the council is seeking to implement.

Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Ian Ward has said:

“Following consultation with local businesses and key stakeholders, it is clear that further support is required to help Birmingham businesses survive over the winter months and be in a more position to run when restrictions ease.

“This is vital if we are to protect jobs, livelihoods and communities. We are keen to make sure we are doing everything we can to support businesses with the needed support from Government to prepare for winter.”

Additional support measures being requested include:

• Additional support for the hardest hit sectors including hospitality, visitor economy, live events and their supply chains
• Enhancement of Self-Employed Income Support Scheme
• Wider approaches to reducing pressures on businesses, including tax credits and further VAT reductions

Paul Faulkner, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said: 

“It is clear that things are going to get worse on COVID-19 before they get better. In these difficult times, it is vital that we pull together across sectors and parties to support our local business community and the people they employ. We are pleased to be again working with regional partners on escalating some of the key concerns and asks.

“We have put down a marker on the key areas that need addressing. We will continue to call for urgent action from Government while also working regionally, with Birmingham City Council and others, to connect businesses to support, maximise every opportunity and keep business moving through COVID-19 and beyond.”  

Deputy leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr Brigid Jones said: "Birmingham is home to thousands of small businesses that keep tens of thousands of people employed, food in their cupboards and roofs over their heads. We’ve listened to our business community and they’ve made it clear what support they need to keep our great city going – and that they need that support now."

Additional signatories:

Baron Michael Cashman
Northfield BID
Liam Byrne MP
Baron Peter Snape
Phil Arkinstall, President, Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce
Baron Philip Hunt of Kings Heath
Preet Kaur Gill MP
Retail BID Birmingham
Rich Bishop, West Midlands Regional Chair Federation of Small Businesses
Shabana Mahmood MP
Soho Road BID
Southside BID
Stephen McCabe MP
Sutton Coldfield BID
Tim Pile, Chair, Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP)
Westside BID