Chancellor urged to rectify mistakes amid claims three million people left without support

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has been urged to step up and rectify his mistakes over the lack of financial support, particularly for the self-employed, throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

In a letter to Rishi Sunak, Stewart Hosie stressed that despite the Chancellors earlier promises that no one would be left behind, over three million people in the UK have received little no financial support.

ExcludedUK, a grassroots organisation calling for changes over the disparities in financial assistance have been asking the Chancellor to take action on this since April, shortly after the first measures were introduced.

Their research suggests the self-employed, freelancers, those on maternity/adoption leave, short term PAYE workers, company directors and more have been left unable to make ends meet throughout the crisis due to the Government’s lack of assistance, with some incurring substantial debt or being forced to close up shop entirely.

Commenting, the Dundee East MP said:

“The Chancellor’s repeated failure to act swiftly throughout the pandemic has left over a million out of work and a further three million without any financial support since March.”

“These issues were first raised with him in April, he has yet to take on board what has been said by millions of struggling people.”

“It’s been one huge missed opportunity after another from a Chancellor who at the last spending review was able to find £29 million for a ‘festival of Brexit’ but nothing for the people who have contributed so much to this country and who now, through no fault of their own, need help.”

“If only he could match his enthusiasm for such self-satisfying jingoism with hard work and serious policies to save jobs and livelihoods there might be three million fewer people desperately awaiting crucial support.”

“If he doesn’t rectify his mistakes soon the consequences will be dire, not just for the millions he has failed but for the economy as a whole. We cannot expect any COVID-19 recovery plan to be successful if not everyone has been shielded from the worst of the economic impacts of the virus.”

“Too many of my constituents have waited too long for help. I hope he sees sense soon.”